Pertaining litterature does not usually foccus on the possible consequences in the thoracic cavity of horses subjected to thoracotomy procedures. Ultrasound is not mentioned as a method of contrai in post-operatory evaluation, which is mostiy exclusively based on post-mortem examination. Six healthy equine were used in the experiment; surgical access to the right hemitórax was assured by controiled mechanical anesthesia. The thoracotomy in the equine was further evaluated by means of a complete clinicai examination, blood gás analysis, complete blood count and thoracic ultrasonography.The suture technique aiso revealed itself efficient and the animais exbited no sings of respiratory distress, pneumotórax or thoracic wall suture dehiscense. The complete clinicai examination, pH, blood gases as well as blood cell count, did not show any significant changes at the pos-operative period. The ultrasonographic exam allowed the evaluation of pleural fluid appearance and quantity, changes of visceral pleura, presence of pneumotórax and subpleural changes.
thoracotomy; ultrasonography; equine
