Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint affected with septic arthritis in 8 horses.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2000
- Authors:
- Groom, L J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In this study, researchers looked at eight female horses that had septic arthritis, which is an infection in the joint, specifically in the proximal interphalangeal joint. The horses had been dealing with the infection for anywhere from 1 to 66 days before they underwent surgery. During the procedure, the infected bone was cleaned out, and different types of plates and screws were used to stabilize the joint. After treatment, four of the horses recovered well enough to become brood mares, while the other four had to be euthanized due to ongoing pain or complications from the infection. Overall, the surgery showed promise as a viable option for some horses instead of euthanasia.
Abstract
Arthrodesis was performed to treat septic arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint of 8 horses. Records of the horses were reviewed to determine outcome and possible factors that influenced success or failure. All horses were female. Seven horses had 1 joint treated and 1 horse was treated for bilateral pelvic limb involvement. The duration of sepsis before surgery ranged from 1 to 66 days. Bone lysis and production was radiographically apparent in 7 horses before surgery. Six horses had multiple bacterial organisms cultured from bone or synovial tissues; 2 horses had single isolates identified. After aggressive curettage, arthrodesis was accomplished with 3 parallel screws in 1 horse, 2 divergent narrow dynamic compression plates in 3 horses, and a single broad dynamic compression plate in 4 horses. Casts were applied to all horses for 1 to 6 weeks. Four horses survived to successful brood mare status. Four horses were euthanized during hospitalization because of continued discomfort or complications of sepsis. Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint affected with septic arthritis appears to be an acceptable alternative to euthanasia for some horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10723597/