Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Morel-Lavallée lesion on the craniomedial aspect of the stifle in a horse: diagnosis, surgical management and outcome.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Cantatore, F et al.
- Affiliation:
- Pool House Equine Hospital · United Kingdom
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old Warmblood gelding, which is a type of horse used for dressage, had a large swelling on the inside of its knee that didn't get better with regular treatment. After using ultrasound, the vets found a big fluid-filled area that was well-defined. They performed surgery to remove the affected tissue while the horse was under general anesthesia. The tissue was examined afterward and confirmed to be a Morel-Lavallée lesion, which is a specific type of injury. After about nine months of recovery, the horse was able to return to its previous level of athletic activity, and the appearance of the area looked very good. Overall, the surgery was successful in treating this condition.
Abstract
Morel-Lavallée lesions (MLLs) are post-traumatic, closed, degloving injuries observed in humans and cats. Morel-Lavallée lesions have never been reported in horses. An 8-year-old Warmblood gelding used for dressage presented with a large swelling on the craniomedial aspect of the stifle that did not respond to conservative treatment. Ultrasonography revealed a large anechogenic fluid-filled cavity with a well-defined capsule. Standing endoscopic examination revealed separation between the deep crural fascia, vastus medialis muscle and skin. Cytology of the fluid collected demonstrated a lymphocyte-rich transudate. Complete surgical excision of the capsule was performed under general anaesthesia. Histopathology of the capsule identified dense fibrovascular tissue lining with an outer thin zone of adipose connective tissue consistent with a MLL. The horse returned to its former athletic level after nine months. The cosmetic outcome was excellent. Chronic MLLs in horses can be successfully treated by complete surgical excision of the capsule with excellent outcome.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40334799/