Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Treatment and outcome of eight horses with limb cellulitis and septic tendonitis or desmitis.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 2021
- Authors:
- Cooper, Hannah E et al.
- Affiliation:
- University of Pennsylvania · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at eight horses that had cellulitis, which is a skin infection, along with septic tendonitis or desmitis, meaning their tendons or ligaments were also infected. All the infections were in the hind legs, with most affecting the suspensory ligament. Six of the horses needed surgery to remove infected tissue, and all received antibiotics through an IV. After treatment, seven of the horses were followed up, and four returned to their athletic activities, while two became broodmares or pasture pets, and one is still in recovery. Overall, the chances of these horses returning to their previous activities are considered fair to good.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical features, treatment, and outcome in horses with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis and/or desmitis. STUDY DESIGN: Short case series. METHODS: Medical records from 2000 to 2019 were reviewed, identifying horses with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis and/or desmitis based on sonographic examination and positive bacterial culture. Signalment, ultrasonographic results, bacterial culture, treatment, duration of hospitalization, and complications were recorded. Long-term outcome data were obtained from follow-up examinations and/or telephone interviews. Successful outcome was defined as return to intended use. RESULTS: Eight horses met the inclusion criteria. All infections occurred in hindlimbs, with septic suspensory ligament in six of eight horses, and septic superficial digital flexor tendon in one of eight horses. Surgical debridement was performed in six of eight horses. All horses were treated with systemic and regional intravenous antimicrobials and were discharged from the hospital. Long-term follow-up was available in seven of eight horses. Of these, four horses returned to their intended athletic function, two horses returned to their intended function as a broodmare or pasture pet, and one horse is still rehabilitating. CONCLUSION: Septic tendonitis or desmitis is a rare but possible sequela of limb cellulitis. Based on the findings in this study, prognosis for return to athletic function is fair to good for horses diagnosed with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis or desmitis.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34270112/