Septic osteitis of the distal phalanx: findings and surgical treatment in 18 cases.
Abstract: Eighteen cases of septic osteitis of the distal phalanx were diagnosed clinically and confirmed at surgery over a 6 year period (1990-1996). Focal bone lysis was the most common radiographic finding. Sequestra were identified in 4 horses, one of which was associated with a fractured plantar process. All the horses were treated surgically with open debridement. The septic process recurred in 4 horses: one was subjected to euthanasia due to navicular bursa infection, secondary to a pathological fracture, the other 3 horses responded to further debridement. A pathological fracture occurred in another horse. All the survivors were not lame 3 months post operatively, although complete healing took 1-12 months. Long term follow up was available in 14 cases. One was retired, all the other horses were back in work at a similar level of performance. This series indicates that surgical treatment of septic pedal osteitis carries a fair to good prognosis despite a high rate of post operative complications and convalescence period of up to 12 months.
Publication Date: 1998-12-09 PubMed ID: 9844970DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04527.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article reports on 18 cases of septic osteitis in the distal phalanx of horses that were diagnosed and surgically treated between 1990 and 1996. The study concludes that despite the high rate of post-operative complications and up to 12 months recovery period, surgical treatment of septic pedal osteitis generally yields positive outcomes.
Summary of Findings
- Between 1990 and 1996, a total of 18 cases of septic osteitis of the distal phalanx were diagnosed and confirmed through surgery. This condition affects the bone at the distal (farthest) end of the horse’s limb.
- The primary radiographic finding was focal bone lysis, a condition whereby bones are destroyed by the body’s own cellular activity.
- In four horses, bone fragments or sequestra were detected. One of these cases was linked with a broken plantar process, a structure at the rear of the distal phalanx.
Surgical Treatment and Results
- All horses were treated with open debridement, a surgical procedure that involves removing unhealthy or infected tissue to promote healing.
- Following the initial treatment, the septic process resurfaced in four horses. One horse was euthanized due to an infection in the navicular bursa (a sac filled with fluid that provides cushioning around the joints) resulting from a pathological fracture.
- The other three horses that experienced a recurrence of the infection responded well to further debridement.
- There was an occurrence of a pathological fracture in another horse after surgery.
- All surviving horses showed no signs of lameness three months after the operation, but complete healing varied, taking anywhere from one month to up to a year.
Long-Term Follow-Up
- Long-term follow-up was possible for 14 cases. In these cases, one horse was retired, while the rest were able to return to work performing at similar levels as prior to their condition.
- Despite the occasional post-operative complication and extended recovery periods of up to 12 months, the study suggests that surgical treatment of septic pedal osteitis typically offers a fair to good prognosis.
Cite This Article
APA
Cauvin ER, Munroe GA.
(1998).
Septic osteitis of the distal phalanx: findings and surgical treatment in 18 cases.
Equine Vet J, 30(6), 512-519.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04527.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Farm Animal and Equine Medicine and Surgery, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Hatfield, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Debridement / veterinary
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology
- Fractures, Spontaneous / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Lameness, Animal / surgery
- Male
- Osteitis / complications
- Osteitis / diagnostic imaging
- Osteitis / surgery
- Osteitis / veterinary
- Postoperative Care / veterinary
- Postoperative Complications / etiology
- Postoperative Complications / veterinary
- Prognosis
- Radiography
- Toes / diagnostic imaging
- Toes / surgery
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Hardefeldt L, Thomas K, Page S, Norris J, Browning G, El Hage C, Stewart A, Gilkerson J, Muscatello G, Verwilghen D, van Galen G, Bauquier J, Cuming R, Reynolds B, Whittaker C, Wilkes E, Clulow J, Burden C, Begg L. Antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for horses in Australia. Aust Vet J 2025 Dec;103(12):781-889.
- Miller SM, Katzwinkel RH. Solar keratoma: An atypical case. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2015 Sep 18;86(1):1257.
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