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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2022; 12(4); doi: 10.3390/ani12040524

A Descriptive Study of the Clinical Presentation, Management, and Outcome of Horses with Acute Soft Tissue Trauma of the Tarsus and the Association with Synovial Involvement.

Abstract: The tarsus is one of the most common areas of traumatic injury with associated synovial involvement (SI) in horses. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, management (emphasizing the type, duration, and route of antimicrobial administration), and outcome of cases with acute soft tissue trauma to the tarsal region. The presenting clinical features, the results of diagnostic modalities, and the initial response to therapy were assessed for their usefulness to predict SI. Medical records of 72 cases were included and SI was diagnosed in 34 cases (47.2%). Increased synovial effusion, lameness on admission (OR = 4.1; 95%CI 1.0-16.4), persistent lameness (OR = 5.7; 95%CI 1.8-17.9), increased blood SAA values (≥200 mg/L) from initial to second measurement (OR = 4.3; 95%CI 1.2-15.5), and wound location on the plantar/plantarolateral/plantaromedial compared to the lateral aspect of the tarsus (OR = 7.0; 95%CI 1.6-30.9) were associated with SI. Radiographs, ultrasonography, and the use of pressure testing when a wound was present proved to be useful in correctly diagnosing SI. The median duration of systemic antimicrobial administration was 8 (IQR: 5 to 9) days and most horses received local antimicrobial therapy. This study highlights several relevant clinical features and their association with SI and emphasizes the usefulness of local antimicrobial therapy in these cases.
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Publication Date: 2022-02-21 PubMed ID: 35203232PubMed Central: PMC8868076DOI: 10.3390/ani12040524Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research study examines the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of horses with acute soft tissue injuries in the tarsal region, with a particular focus on synovial involvement.

Research Objective and Methods

  • The aim of this retrospective study was to understand the clinical features, diagnostic procedures, management—including the type, duration, and route of antimicrobial administration—and outcomes in cases of acute soft tissue trauma to the tarsal region of horses.
  • This research aimed to identify any patterns or factors that could predict synovial involvement (SI), by examining the presenting clinical features, the results of diagnostic procedures, and the initial response to therapy.
  • The study used medical records of 72 cases, which included instances where SI was diagnosed.

Findings and Associations

  • SI was diagnosed in 34 out of the 72 cases studied, representing 47.2% of the total cases.
  • The study found certain factors to be associated with SI. These include increased synovial effusion, lameness on admission, persistent lameness, increased blood SAA values (≥200 mg/L) from the initial to the second measurement, and wound location on the plantar/plantarolateral/plantaromedial compared to the lateral aspect of the tarsus.
  • Specific diagnostic procedures, including radiographs, ultrasonography, and pressure testing in the presence of a wound, were useful in accurately diagnosing SI.

Treatment and Outcome

  • Regarding treatment, the median duration of systemic antimicrobial administration was found to be 8 days, ranging between 5 to 9 days. Most of the horses received local antimicrobial therapy, highlighting its importance in these cases.
  • The study does not provide explicit data about the outcomes but implies that local antimicrobial therapy was an effective treatment strategy for the situations studied.

Significance of the Research

  • The study provides useful insights into the clinical presentation of horses with acute soft tissue trauma in the tarsal region, particularly in cases with SI.
  • It identifies specific factors and diagnostic procedures that can help in predicting SI, which can guide vets in tackling such cases more effectively.
  • It underscores the importance of local antimicrobial treatment in managing such injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Vajs T, Nekouei O, Biermann NM. (2022). A Descriptive Study of the Clinical Presentation, Management, and Outcome of Horses with Acute Soft Tissue Trauma of the Tarsus and the Association with Synovial Involvement. Animals (Basel), 12(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12040524

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 4

Researcher Affiliations

Vajs, Taja
  • University Equine Hospital, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria.
Nekouei, Omid
  • Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
Biermann, Nora M
  • University Equine Hospital, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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