Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Arthroscopic treatment of temporomandibular joint sepsis in a horse.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 2005
- Authors:
- Carmalt, James L & Wilson, David G
- Affiliation:
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences · Canada
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare was treated for an infection in her jaw joint, known as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sepsis. The treatment involved a procedure where the vet used a small incision to clean out the infected area and wash it thoroughly, along with giving antibiotics both directly into the joint and systemically. After the procedure, the mare showed no signs of ongoing infection or joint problems eight months later. This case suggests that using standard arthroscopic tools can effectively manage this rare condition in horses with few complications.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report arthroscopic debridement and lavage of a septic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a horse. DESIGN: Clinical case report. ANIMALS: A 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare. METHODS: Arthroscopic investigation of the dorsal joint pouch of the right TMJ was made through a stab incision into the dorsocaudal compartment. Mechanized resection of synovium and fibrinous debris combined with copious lavage, and intra-articular and systemic antibiotic administration was used to treat the septic TMJ. RESULTS: Arthroscopic debridement and lavage of the TMJ, in combination with intra-articular and systemic antimicrobials resulted in resolution of sepsis. Eight months post-operatively, there was no clinical evidence of degenerative joint disease or ankylosis of the TMJ. CONCLUSION: TMJ sepsis is rare in horses, however, standard arthroscopic equipment can be used in the management of this condition with minimal complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Arthroscopic debridement and lavage should be considered for evaluation and initial treatment of TMJ sepsis in horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15720597/