Gastric outflow obstruction (GFO) occasionally requires surgical intervention in foals when medical management fails. Current literature lacks consensus on several surgical decisions, with most comprehensive reports dating back over a decade. Critical aspects—including jejunal loop orientation and necessity of jejunojejunostomy—remain debated among surgeons. Long-term data regarding complications, growth, and athletic performance are scarce. This case series documents the long-term outcomes of two Lusitano dressage foals that underwent bypass surgery for GFO, providing contemporary outcome data for specific surgical decisions where evidence remains limited. Two Lusitano foals underwent bypass procedures for GFO. Case 1: A 15-day-old orphan foal with pyloric stenosis underwent side-to-side gastrojejunostomy without jejunojejunostomy, with jejunal loop oriented left-to-right. Six years post-operatively, the horse performs dressage at a competitive level with normal growth and conformation. Case 2: A 12-hour-old foal underwent gastroduodenostomy; nearly three years later, it continues without complications. This series contributes recent outcome data for specific surgical decisions in bypass procedures. Both foals achieved favourable results. Left-to-right orientation gastrojejunostomy and without jejunojejunostomy worked perfectly. Importantly, extended follow-up documents the absence of long-term complications, normal growth, and athletic performance—critically needed information for surgical decision-making and owner communication regarding these uncommon, costly procedures.

Background: Prosthetic laryngoplasty (PL) is the standard surgical treatment for recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN) in horses. However, postoperative complications may compromise outcomes, and the influence of breed and anaesthetic approach remains unclear. Objectives: To identify predictors of surgical success at 3 months following PL, with a focus on postoperative complications, anaesthesia type, and breed, with special interest in Iberian baroque breeds (Andalusian and Lusitano). Study design: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. Methods: Medical records from 181 horses treated at seven equine hospitals were reviewed. Variables including breed, anaesthesia type, surgical method, and postoperative complications were analysed using chi-square tests and binary logistic regression. Results: Surgical success was achieved in 79.11% of cases. Postoperative complications occurred in 33.7% of horses and were significantly associated with treatment failure. Two independent predictors of poor outcome were identified: major loss of arytenoid abduction (OR = 0.000567; p < 0.001) and surgical site infection (SSI) (OR = 0.007; p < 0.001). Breed type and anaesthetic modality were not significantly associated with outcome. The final model demonstrated excellent predictive performance (AUC = 0.978; accuracy = 96.7%). Main limitations: Multicenter retrospective study that may be affected by selection bias and variability in practices. Conclusions: Loss of arytenoid abduction and SSI are critical determinants of poor outcome following PL. These findings underscore the importance of meticulous surgical technique and strict infection control. Breed and anaesthetic approach did not influence outcome. Identification of key risk factors supports improved surgical planning, targeted prevention, and clearer prognostic communication.

Background: The paracondylar process is of clinical interest due to its proximity to anatomical structures involved in vital functions. There are limited reports describing abnormalities affecting the paracondylar process (PCP), with traumatic fractures being the most prevalent pathology. Affected horses can present with a variety of signs including headshaking, facial paralysis and/or poor performance. In almost all cases reported in the literature to date, computed tomography has been used to diagnose a PCP fracture. Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a radiographic technique for imaging the PCP, to determine the optimum radiographic projection angle and trial its use in standing sedated horses. Study design: Pilot study conducted in 10 standing sedated horses. Methods: Three tangential radiographs of the left and right paracondylar processes at 5º, 15º and 20º to the transverse plane were obtained in 10 standing sedated horses. Three blinded observers independently ranked each of the three images for clarity of viewing the PCP. The radiographic projection allowed imaging of the ventral portion of the PCP while avoiding superimposition of other osseous structures. Results: The highest grades were obtained for radiographs with a 5º angle from the transverse plane, and the lowest grades were obtained for a 20º angle. Main limitations: Complex anatomy of the PCP with superimposition of osseous and soft tissue structures. Conclusions: The radiographic technique for the PCP can be safely performed in standing, sedated horses. It is suitable for implementation in general veterinary practice before considering referral for advanced imaging techniques in horses presenting with headshaking or facial paralysis.