🔬 Vet Insight: Laparoscopy in Horses | 2025 Minimally Invasive Surgery for Cryptorchids & Beyond 🐴

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Equine surgery has come a long way, especially when it comes to reducing pain, recovery time, and complications. One of the most exciting advancements is **laparoscopy**—a minimally invasive surgical technique that’s now being used for procedures like **cryptorchid castration**, biopsies, and other abdominal operations. 🧠🩺

In this 2025 guide, I’ll explain how laparoscopy works, when it’s used, and why it’s becoming the preferred option for complex surgeries in horses. 🐎🔬

⚠️ Why Cryptorchid Castration Is Challenging

In most male horses, both testicles descend into the scrotum by the time they’re ready for castration. But in some cases, only one testicle is visible. These horses are called **cryptorchids**, and surgical removal of the retained testicle is far more complex. 🧬🧠

Traditional Cryptorchid Surgery:

• 🔪 Requires a large incision into the abdomen
• 🧤 Vet must use their hand to manually locate the testicle
• 🛌 Results in more post-op pain, longer healing time, and higher complication risk

Thankfully, **laparoscopy** now allows for this procedure—and many others—to be done with **small incisions, less trauma**, and faster recovery. ✅

🔬 What Is Equine Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy involves using a **tiny telescope, camera, and surgical instruments** inserted through two to three incisions that are **less than 1 inch long**. A monitor shows the inside of the horse’s abdomen in real time, giving the surgeon an excellent view of organs and tissues. 📹🧠

Advantages of Laparoscopy:

• 🩹 Smaller incisions = less pain and quicker healing
• 🏥 Shorter hospital stays
• 🧬 Some procedures can be done with the **horse standing**, avoiding general anesthesia
• 🎯 Better visualization for precision surgery
• 🧠 More cosmetic results

It’s a game-changer for horses needing abdominal surgery—especially those at higher anesthetic risk. 🎯

💉 Anesthesia Risk in Horses

Every time a horse is put under general anesthesia, there is risk. Horses must lie down and later stand up—an inherently dangerous process due to their size, instinct to rise quickly, and potential for panic. 🛌⚠️

Laparoscopy Reduces This Risk By:

• 🧍 Allowing **standing procedures** in some cases
• ⏱️ Reducing total time under anesthesia when it’s needed
• 🧯 Improving safety during recovery

For senior horses or those with respiratory or metabolic concerns, laparoscopy offers a much safer alternative. ✅

🧠 Procedures Commonly Performed with Laparoscopy

Although cryptorchid castration is one of the most well-known uses, laparoscopy is also used for: 🛠️

• 🧪 Biopsies of abdominal organs
• 🩺 Removal of ovarian tumors or reproductive organs
• 📉 Treatment of certain types of colic or adhesions
• 💊 Internal abscess drainage

As the technology becomes more widespread and training increases, laparoscopy will likely become even more common in equine surgery. 🌍📈

⚠️ Not Every Vet Offers Laparoscopy

It’s important to note that laparoscopy **requires specialized equipment and training**. Most general equine practices won’t offer it, but **referral centers and board-certified surgeons** usually do. 🧰🎓

If your horse needs abdominal surgery or cryptorchid castration, ask your vet if a laparoscopic referral is an option. 🗣️📋

📲 Use Ask A Vet for Surgical Planning

The Ask A Vet app helps you make informed decisions about surgical care. Use it to:

• 📱 Ask whether laparoscopy is appropriate for your horse’s condition
• 📋 Compare recovery times and risk factors
• 📤 Send X-rays or history for review
• 📈 Track post-op recovery with daily updates

Smart surgical planning starts with good information. 🧠📱

✅ Laparoscopy Takeaways for 2025

• 🔬 Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive option for many abdominal surgeries
• 🩺 Cryptorchid castration can now be done with less pain and faster healing
• ⚠️ General anesthesia is riskier in horses—laparoscopy reduces that risk
• 🏥 Referral centers and surgeons offer these services—not every vet will
• 📱 Use Ask A Vet to plan surgery and post-op care

📲 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Laparoscopy is changing equine surgery for the better—offering horses a safer, less painful way to recover from procedures that once required major incisions. Whether it’s cryptorchid castration or organ biopsy, talk to your vet about whether a **minimally invasive approach** is available. 🧠💙

Download the Ask A Vet app today for expert surgical guidance, post-op support, and trusted veterinary insight—every step of the way. 🐎📱