Osteomyelitis of the sustentaculum tali in horses: 10 cases (1992-1998).

This research paper reviews ten cases of horses diagnosed with osteomyelitis of the sustentaculum tali (ST), a bone used in walking, and assesses the outcomes of their treatments which included surgery and medication. The results indicate that most horses largely recovered, although with slight residual lameness, and were able to return to their previous activities.

Objective and Methods

• The research’s primary goal was to examine treatment outcomes for horses diagnosed with osteomyelitis of the ST. This bone infection can occur individually or in conjunction with inflammation of the tarsal sheath, a protective fibrous layer surrounding tendons in the hock of the horse. The infection is debilitating, leading to lameness in affected horses.
• The study was retrospective and considered ten cases treated between 1992 and 1998. The cases were carefully chosen, considering both diagnosis confirmation via physical examination and radiographic results.
• The study monitored the horses’ medical records for data, including diagnostic results, surgical findings, post-operative treatments, and short-term outcomes. For long term results, the authors re-assessed the horses at a teaching hospital or interviewed the referring veterinarians, owners, and trainers via phone calls.

Results

• All horses underwent surgical debridement (removal of infected tissues) and intraoperative (during surgery) and postoperative lavage (flushing out of the area with fluid). They were also given long-term antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment.
• Eight horses exhibited evidence of the tarsal sheath’s involvement. One horse was euthanized after surgery due to unsuccessful treatment. The others were released from the hospital with minor grade-1 or -2 lameness.
• Following discharge, one horse had to be euthanized due to laminitis (a crippling condition caused by inflammation in the hoof) in the opposite hind limb. Another horse could not be followed up. Of the remaining seven horses, six returned to their previous functions, and one, though physically sound, was retired for breeding purposes due to unrelated reasons.

Conclusion

• The study’s results suggest that horses diagnosed with osteomyelitis of the ST can have a favorable to good outcome after surgery and extensive medication. Even if the tarsal sheath is involved, the horses are likely to return to their previous uses with minimal residual lameness, highlighting the effectiveness of surgical debridement and lavage.