Heel bulb lacerations in horses: 101 cases (1988-1994).

This research paper investigates the clinical history, treatment, and outcomes of heel bulb and pastern lacerations in horses and finds that horses that suffer these types of wounds can often successfully return to their intended use, although the prognosis worsens if the distal interphalangeal joint is involved.

Research Methodology

• The researchers conducted a retrospective study involving 101 horses.
• They reviewed medical records of horses that had sustained lacerations of the heel bulb and pastern.
• Information was also obtained on the nature of the horses’ injuries, treatments received and subsequent outcomes.

Findings

• The study found that lacerations were most frequently caused by contact with wire or metal objects.
• Most of the affected horses were Quarter Horses and were not given antimicrobial drugs prior to referral.
• The average time from injury to referral was around 24 hours, although this could range from 1 to 168 hours.
• Of the 101 horses studied, 17 had lacerations that involved synovial structures and the distal interphalangeal joint was the most commonly affected joint.
• One horse had to be euthanized after the initial examination.

Treatment

• The typical treatment for these injuries consisted of cleansing, lavage and debridement (removal of damaged or infected tissue).
• When the wounds were fresh, suturing was performed, followed by the application of a foot bandage or cast.
• More than half of the horses received systemically administered antimicrobial drugs.

Outcomes

• Follow-up information was collected for 61 horses.
• Of these, 51 horses returned to their intended use and experienced no further complications.
• Conversely, 10 horses suffered complications associated with the wound. From these, 5 had to be euthanized and 1 died from an unrelated cause.
• Horses with lacerations that involved synovial structures had worse outcomes than those whose lacerations did not.

Conclusions

• The researchers concluded that horses sustaining heel bulb lacerations can often successfully return to their intended use.
• However, if the distal interphalangeal joint is involved, the prognosis becomes worse.