Laparoscopic resection of an exostosis of the os pubis in a horse.

Summary

# Editorial Summary Osseous exostoses of the pubis are a rarely documented cause of chronic colic and urinary dysfunction in horses, presenting a diagnostic and surgical challenge given the deep pelvic location. This case report documents the clinical presentation and laparoscopic management of a 12-year-old draught gelding exhibiting recurrent colic triggered by micturition and poor performance, with rectal examination identifying a bony prominence at the pubic symphysis that cystoscopy confirmed was indenting the bladder wall. Following an unsuccessful standing laparoscopic attempt, the lesion was successfully resected under general anaesthesia using purpose-designed laparoscopic instruments without intraoperative complications, with complete resolution of clinical signs at 12-month follow-up. The minimally invasive approach afforded superior visualisation and instrument access compared to traditional open pelvic surgery, whilst reducing tissue trauma and recovery time. Farriers and veterinarians should consider pubic exostoses in the differential diagnosis of recurrent colic in working horses, particularly when coupled with urinary signs, as laparoscopic resection under general anaesthesia represents an effective treatment option that reliably resolves symptoms associated with bladder wall impingement.

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Key Findings

• •Laparoscopic resection of os pubis exostosis was successfully performed under general anesthesia in a 12-year-old draught gelding with recurrent colic and urinary signs.
• •Cystoscopy revealed the exostosis was causing protrusion of the bladder wall into the urethral lumen.
• •No recurrence of clinical signs was detected 12 months post-operatively following minimally invasive surgical removal.

Conditions Studied