Open drainage, intra-articular and systemic antibiotics in the treatment of septic arthritis/tenosynovitis in horses.

The research focused on the effectiveness of open drainage combined with intra-articular and systemic antibiotics for the treatment of septic arthritis/tenosynovitis in horses. The investigation found that this treatment method was successful in almost all cases, with the majority of horses returning to their normal athletic function.

Methodology

• The researchers treated 26 horses suffering from persistent or severe septic arthritis/tenosynovitis using an open drainage method. This involved making a small arthrotomy incision in the infected synovial structures, which were then kept open and protected by a sterile bandage.
• All of the horses underwent joint lavage, a procedure to clean the intra-articular region.
• Along with systemic antibiotics, 23 horses received intra-articular antibiotics, including amikacin, gentamycin, and cefazolin. Two horses were treated with both gentamycin and amikacin at different points in time.

Findings

• The infection was successfully eliminated from the synovial structures in 25 of 26 horses. Of these, 24 horses survived the treatment and were discharged from the hospital.
• The arthrotomy incisions healed by granulation in 16 horses. In 9 horses, the incision was closed through suturing once the infection was cleared.
• Seventeen horses fully recovered from the infection and medication effects and managed to regain their previous levels of physical capability. This means that they could return to performance or competition.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that an open drainage system is an effective way of managing chronic drainage from a joint or tendon sheath in horses afflicted with septic arthritis/tenosynovitis.
• This method of treatment is recommended for horses that have established intra-synovial infections or for horses that do not respond to joint lavage through needles.