Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Infection of the intertubercular bursa in horses: four cases (1978-1991).
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1996
- Authors:
- Vatistas, N J et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at four horses that had an infection in a specific joint area called the intertubercular bursa, which caused them to be very lame. When the horses were examined, three showed pain when the area was touched, and one had an ultrasound that showed a lot of fluid in the bursa. Two of the horses were treated with medications to fight infection and reduce inflammation, but they continued to be lame and couldn't go back to their usual activities. The other two horses had surgery to remove part of the bursa, and both were able to return to their normal activities, although one still had a slight limp. Overall, the study suggests that surgery might be a helpful option for treating this type of infection in horses.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical outcome of horses treated for infection of the intertubuercular bursa (infectious bicipital bursitis). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of case records. ANIMALS: Four horses referred for treatment of infectious bicipital bursitis. PROCEDURE: Medical records of horses that were severely lame on admission were reviewed. RESULTS: In 3 horses, palpation over the bicipital bursa as well as flexion and extension of the scapulohumeral joint were resented. Ultrasonography performed in 1 horse revealed that the bicipital bursa was large and that excessive amounts of fluid containing hyperechoic material were evident within the bicipital bursa. Two horses were treated by the administration of antimicrobial and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Both remained lame and failed to resume their former activity. Two horses additionally were treated surgically by means of a partial synovectomy. Both resumed their former activity although a subtle lameness remained in 1 horse. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Partial synovectomy may be useful in the treatment of horses with infectious bicipital bursitis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8635993/