Antimicrobial delivery by intrasynovial catheterisation with systemic administration for equine synovial trauma and sepsis.

This study talks about how intra-articular catheter placement was used to deliver broad-spectrum antimicrobials for treating equine synovial trauma and infection. Most of the treated horses showed clinical resolution of the infection with a good prognosis for survival.

Methods and Approach

• The researchers conducted a retrospective study, reviewing medical records of 38 horses that were treated for synovial trauma and sepsis between 1995 and 2008.
• The treatment method involved frequent administration of antimicrobials through an intrasynovial catheter (ISC).
• Further information was obtained via clinical re-evaluation and telephone contact with horse owners.

Treatment Protocol and Procedural Details

• In most of these cases (84%), horses were given amikacin and Timentin four times daily for the treatment.
• Moreover, synovial lavage, a procedure to clean the synovial cavity, was carried out in 71% of the horses via the ISC.

Findings and Outcomes

• The only factor that significantly impacted the discharge and long-term outcomes was the radiological evidence of osteolysis (bone degradation).
• Overall, 92% of horses treated with this technique resolved their infection clinically. Obstruction of the catheter occurred in three cases, requiring a replacement or removal of the catheter.
• Two synovial fistulae (abnormal connections between the synovial cavity and another organ) developed at the sites of open drainage.
• The majority of horses treated with this method experienced a favorable outcome; 86% of them became pasture sound (could graze and walk comfortably), while 43% were able to return to riding.

Conclusion and Clinical Implications

• According to the research findings, septic synovial structures treated with frequent antimicrobial administration through an ISC have a good prognosis for survival.
• Also, the return to riding rate of 43% is consistent with results from other studies, indicating the effectiveness of this treatment strategy.
• The study concludes by suggesting the consideration of a simple ISC when there is a need for broad-spectrum intrasynovial antimicrobial administration and lavage of a septic synovial structure.