An observational study evaluating the environmental impact of equine arthroscopy.

Transport and single-use consumables are the primary carbon emission targets for sustainable equine arthroscopy practice.

This prospective observational study evaluated the carbon footprint of equine arthroscopy procedures at a UK equine hospital, examining 10 cases between January and March 2025. Total carbon emissions for the 10 procedures were 2044 kgCO₂e, with transport representing the dominant contributor at 42% of total emissions, followed by single-use consumables (21%), pharmaceuticals (11%), waste (3%), and building energy (<1%). Owner transport was the primary driver of travel emissions, accounting for 86% of that category, with a median travel distance of 251 km per horse. The study also assessed volatile anaesthetic capture using the Vet-Can device, which collected 490 g of isoflurane over 1199 minutes, with a median in vivo transfer efficiency of 39%. A hybrid methodology combining bottom-up process-based calculations with environmentally extended input-output (EEIO) modelling was employed where primary data were unavailable. Key limitations include the small single-site sample size, reliance on EEIO modelling, system-boundary inconsistencies, limited emission factor availability, and acknowledged controversy surrounding CO₂e-based quantification of volatile anaesthetic agents. The authors identify transport and single-use consumables as priority targets for sustainability interventions in equine surgical practice. This study represents an important step toward understanding the environmental footprint of specialist equine procedures and supports the broader veterinary healthcare movement toward reducing ecological impact.

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