Retrospective study of the clinical features of limb cellulitis in 63 horses.

This research involves a retrospective study on 63 horses diagnosed with limb cellulitis from 1994 to 2005, examining the clinical features of the condition, identifying associated factors and detailing the treatment approach.

Methodology and Findings

• The researchers carried out the investigation on 63 horses that were diagnosed with limb cellulitis, a painful and swelling condition of the limb, over the period from 1994 to 2005.
• None of the horses showed symptoms in more than one limb, suggesting that this type of cellulitis affects only one limb at a time.
• Hindlimbs were found to be more susceptible to cellulitis than forelimbs.
• Thoroughbreds appeared to be at higher risk, being significantly over-represented in the study compared to other breeds.

Triggers and Causes of Limb Cellulitis

• Common triggering factors for limb cellulitis were identified as blunt limb trauma, limb surgery, and limb injections.
• However, in 43% of cases, no clear cause could be established, indicating that the root causes of limb cellulitis may vary and may be sometimes unidentifiable.
• Bacterial infections, especially from Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, were often associated with the condition, though sometimes mixed bacterial infections occurred.

Treatment Outcomes

• All horses received treatment using broad spectrum antimicrobials and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, while 14 horses required additional ultrasound-guided surgical drainage.
• The majority of horses (89%) recovered and were discharged from the hospital.
• The remainder 7 horses had to be euthanized due to the onset of laminitis in the limb not affected by cellulitis, highlighting laminitis as a potential severe complication in such cases.