Nephrectomy via ventral median celiotomy in equids.
Authors: Arnold Carolyn E, Taylor Tex, Chaffin M Keith, Schott Harold C, Caron John P
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Nephrectomy via Ventral Median Celiotomy in Equids Unilateral renal disease in horses and other equids—including verminous nephritis, idiopathic haematuria, and ectopic ureters—occasionally necessitates surgical removal, yet published guidance on the optimal approach remains limited. Arnold and colleagues evaluated the ventral median celiotomy technique for nephrectomy across six equids (four horses, one donkey, one mule) ranging from 2 months to 18 years of age and 90–434 kg in bodyweight, using standard surgical principles: exteriorisation of small intestine and colon for exposure, blunt dissection of the kidney from retroperitoneal attachments, and ligation of the renal artery, vein, and ureter. Two of the six animals developed postoperative complications—peritonitis and chylous abdominal effusion—both of which resolved with medical management alone, and no long-term complications attributable to the nephrectomy itself were reported during follow-up periods extending to eight years. The ventral median approach proved adequate for accessing either kidney in all cases and appears a viable option for nephrectomy across a wide range of equid species and sizes, though surgeons should remain alert to potential peritoneal complications and counsel owners accordingly regarding postoperative management and prognosis.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Ventral median celiotomy is a viable surgical approach for unilateral nephrectomy in equids of various sizes and species; consider this technique when renal disease requires surgical intervention
- •Postoperative peritonitis and chylous effusion are possible complications but managed successfully with medical therapy; have appropriate monitoring and treatment protocols ready
- •Long-term prognosis is good in equids with unilateral renal disease treated surgically; owners can be counselled positively about outcomes
Key Findings
- •Ventral median celiotomy provided adequate surgical access for nephrectomy in all 6 equids (4 horses, 1 donkey, 1 mule) weighing 90-434 kg
- •Two of six cases (33%) developed postoperative complications (peritonitis and chylous abdominal effusion) that resolved with medical management
- •No long-term complications attributable to nephrectomy were reported by owners at follow-up 1-8 years post-surgery
- •Technique successfully treated 4 cases of ectopic ureter, 1 idiopathic hematuria, and 1 verminous nephritis