Abstract
BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a significant cause of postoperative morbidity following equine laparotomy. Therefore, if risk factors for SSI can be identified, morbidity may consequently be reduced. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of SSI in horses undergoing exploratory laparotomy at a single hospital over an 8-year period (2013‒2021), investigate the risk factors associated with SSI and report on the bacterial isolates identified. METHODS: The medical records of horses that had an exploratory laparotomy performed at the teaching hospital due to colic were retrospectively reviewed. SSI was defined as any purulent or serous discharge from the laparotomy incision for more than 24 hours duration during hospitalisation. Pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors for SSI were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 143 horses met the criteria for inclusion in the study, of which 38 developed an SSI (26.6%, 95% confidence interval: 19.5-34.6%). Multivariable analysis revealed that the application of a postoperative abdominal bandage was significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of SSI (odds ratio = 0.29, p = 0.026). LIMITATIONS: As this was a retrospective study performed at a single hospital, the findings may have limited generalisability. CONCLUSIONS: The application of a postoperative abdominal bandage is protective against SSI in horses following exploratory laparotomy for colic.