Penetrating injuries to the frog (cuneus ungulae) and collateral sulci of the foot in equids: 63 cases (1998-2008).
Abstract: Objective-To determine the outcome of penetrating injuries to the central region of the foot in equids and identify factors that may affect treatment and outcome. Design-Retrospective case series. Animals-63 equids (61 horses, 1 pony, and 1 mule). Procedures-Records of equids incurring puncture wounds through the frog (cuneus ungulae) or collateral sulci of the foot between 1998 and 2008 were reviewed. Evaluated factors that were hypothesized to affect outcome included signalment, degree of lameness, foot affected, duration between injury and admission, and treatment. Injuries were graded from 1 (< 1 inch; involving superficial corium only) to 4 (involving a synovial structure) on the basis of severity of penetration as determined by radiographic evidence or findings on synoviocentesis at the time of admission. Results-Overall, 60% (38/63) of equids returned to soundness. Thirteen equids were euthanized on the basis of synovial structure involvement and financial constraints. Of 35 equids that were treated conservatively, which may have included undergoing a surgical procedure with the horse standing, 32 (91.4%) returned to their previous level of soundness. Fifteen equids underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia, of which 6 (40%) became sound for intended use. Ten of 34 (29%) equids with synovial structure involvement regained soundness. Equids treated earlier after injury had a better prognosis. Equids with a hind foot injury had a more favorable outcome than those with a forefoot injury. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggested that penetrating injuries located centrally in the foot of equids without involvement of a synovial structure have a favorable prognosis, especially if managed early. Penetration of a synovial structure provided a poor prognosis.
Publication Date: 2011-10-12 PubMed ID: 21985353DOI: 10.2460/javma.239.8.1104Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research study inspects the effects and recovery rate of foot penetration injuries in equids (horses, ponies, and mules), exploring factors that may impact treatment outcomes. It points out that injuries that do not involve a synovial structure and are managed early have a better prognosis, while penetration of a synovial structure typically represents a poor prognosis.
Study Design and Participants
- The research employs a retrospective design, investigating previous cases to gather data and make observations.
- The study involves 63 equids – 61 horses, 1 pony, and 1 mule.
- The research focuses on equids that have endured puncture wounds through the frog (central part of the foot) or collateral sulci of the foot between 1998 and 2008.
Review Procedures
- The team reviewed records seeking specific information such as the degree of lameness, the affected foot, the time between injury and admission, and the treatment provided.
- Injuries were classified into four grades based on the severity of penetration. This was done using radiographic evidence or findings on synoviocentesis at the time of admission.
Findings
- Out of 63 equids, 38 (60%) returned to soundness (healthy condition) post-injury.
- Thirteen equids required euthanization due to the involvement of synovial structure and financial limitations.
- Those treated conservatively, possibly including a standing surgical procedure, had a 91.4% rate of reaching their previous soundness level.
- Out of 15 equids that went through surgical treatment under general anesthesia, six (40%) achieved soundness for their intended use.
- Only ten of 34 equids (29%) with synovial structure involvement regained soundness.
- Equids treated soon after the injury and those with a hind foot injury had a more favorable prognosis.
Conclusion
- The findings suggest that penetrating injuries located centrally in the foot of equids that do not involve a synovial structure have a positive prognosis, particularly if these are managed at an early stage.
- Conversely, penetration of a synovial structure results in poor prognosis.
Cite This Article
APA
Kilcoyne I, Dechant JE, Kass PH, Spier SJ.
(2011).
Penetrating injuries to the frog (cuneus ungulae) and collateral sulci of the foot in equids: 63 cases (1998-2008).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 239(8), 1104-1109.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.239.8.1104 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, USA. isabellekilcoyne@hotmail.com
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Equidae
- Female
- Foot Injuries / therapy
- Foot Injuries / veterinary
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Wounds, Penetrating / therapy
- Wounds, Penetrating / veterinary
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