Disorders of the infraspinatus tendon and bursa in three horses.
Abstract: 3 horses with penetrating wounds to the shoulder area were examined because of forelimb lameness. Results: All horses had physical examination findings (decreased cranial phase of the stride, swelling in the shoulder region, and signs of pain on manipulation of the shoulder) that were suggestive of problems in the upper portion of the forelimb. Injury to the biceps tendon or bursa was the primary differential diagnosis in each instance, but no abnormalities involving those structures were found. Radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging revealed injuries to the caudal eminence of the greater tubercle of the humerus, the infraspinatus tendon, and the infraspinatus bursa. Examination with ultrasound was more sensitive than radiography at detecting both osseous and soft tissue changes. Results: All 3 horses responded favorably to treatment with antimicrobials and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although initial response to standing lavage was favorable in 1 horse, endoscopic lavage was later required. Standing removal of fracture fragments was performed in 2 horses. Ultrasonographic imaging was helpful in monitoring the response to treatment and changes in the affected structures. All 3 horses eventually became sound after treatment. Conclusions: Infraspinatus bursitis and tendonitis should be included in the differential diagnoses of horses with shoulder lameness. Diagnosis and monitoring should include ultrasonographic monitoring. The prognosis for return to soundness after appropriate treatment appears to be good.
Publication Date: 2006-08-17 PubMed ID: 16910855DOI: 10.2460/javma.229.4.549Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research investigates three cases of horses suffering from forelimb lameness due to penetrating shoulder wounds. Through physical examinations and imaging techniques, it was found that the injuries were to the humerus, infraspinatus tendon, and infraspinatus bursa. Successful treatment was administered and all three horses recovered.
Research Context and Methods
- The study focused on three horses that presented with forelimb lameness due to penetrating wounds in the shoulder region.
- Physical examinations were conducted which displayed signs of pain on shoulder manipulation, swelling in the shoulder area, and a decrease in the cranial phase of stride – all indicative of complications in the upper portion of the forelimb.
- Initially, injury to the biceps tendon or bursa was the considered diagnosis in each case, but no anomalies were observed in these structures.
- The actual injury zones were identified using radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging that revealed damage to the humerus’ caudal eminence, infraspinatus tendon, and the infraspinatus bursa.
- It was noted that ultrasound proved more sensitive than radiography in detecting changes in both osseous and soft tissues.
Results and Treatment
- Treatment was carried out using antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to which all three horses responded positively.
- In a single case, initially, standing lavage treatment was effective, however, endoscopic lavage was later required. Standing removal of fracture fragments was performed in the remaining two horses.
- Ultrasonographic imaging played a crucial role in monitoring changes in the affected structures and the response to treatment.
- Post-treatment, it was found that all three horses had recovered soundness.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- The study concludes that cases of equine shoulder lameness should include infraspinatus tendonitis and bursitis in their differential diagnoses.
- It emphasizes the importance of ultrasonographic monitoring in both diagnosing and overseeing the treatment response.
- The prognosis suggests a good chance for horses to return to a sound state following the suitable treatment.
Cite This Article
APA
Whitcomb MB, le Jeune SS, MacDonald MM, Galuppo LD, Judy CE.
(2006).
Disorders of the infraspinatus tendon and bursa in three horses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 229(4), 549-556.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.229.4.549 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
- Female
- Horses / injuries
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Male
- Prognosis
- Tendon Injuries / diagnostic imaging
- Tendon Injuries / drug therapy
- Tendon Injuries / surgery
- Tendon Injuries / veterinary
- Treatment Outcome
- Ultrasonography
- Wounds, Penetrating / diagnostic imaging
- Wounds, Penetrating / drug therapy
- Wounds, Penetrating / surgery
- Wounds, Penetrating / veterinary
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