Severe Synovitis in Two Horses due to the Use of Irrigating Solutions Containing Methanol and Formaldehyde.
Abstract: Two horses were examined because of chronic lameness, which followed arthroscopy in one case, and tendon sheath lavage in a second case. Clinical investigations linked both cases to the use of irrigating fluids containing preservatives. The clinical signs were reproduced in a Shetland pony by injection and lavage of the carpal joints with the same fluid. Lameness was slow in onset and accompanied by profound periarticular fibrosis. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of a severe, erosive, noninfectious arthritis that may have an immune-mediated component. Clinicians should read product labels carefully and be aware of the dangers of exposing synovial tissues to solutions containing preservatives.
Publication Date: 1988-04-01 PubMed ID: 17423024PubMed Central: PMC1680900
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research investigated two cases of horse lameness due to the use of irritating solutions containing preservatives. It was found that these solutions led to chronic conditions and severe arthritis, and recommendations were made for clinicians to be more careful in their choice of solutions.
Overview of the Research
- The study was inspired by two cases of horse lameness that were traced back to the use of irrigating solutions laden with preservatives such as methanol and formaldehyde.
- These horses had undergone medical procedures – an arthroscopy (inspection of joint cavities using an endoscope) in one case, and a tendon sheath lavage (washing out of tendons) in the other.
Methods and Findings
- In order to verify the results, the researchers replicated similar conditions in a Shetland pony. They injected and lavaged the pony’s carpal joints, making use of the same fluid as was used in the initial two cases.
- As a result, the Shetland pony also developed lameness, which was slow to manifest but was coupled with significant periarticular fibrosis (a sign of chronic inflammation, marked by the excessive formation of fibrous tissue around the joints).
- Upon postmortem examination, it was revealed that the horses suffered from a serious type of non-infectious arthritis, which was erosive (meaning it bore lesions). It was hinted that this condition might be an immune response, although further studies would be needed to confirm this.
Implications of the Research
- The research highlights the potential risks associated with the use of certain irrigating solutions that contain preservatives during veterinary procedures.
- Clinicians are advised to carefully read product labels and to avoid such solutions when dealing with synovial tissues (tissues lining the spaces between bones and joints).
- In essence, it calls for caution to be exercised to avoid such chronic conditions in future veterinary procedures.
Cite This Article
APA
Hurtig MB, Livesey MA.
(1988).
Severe Synovitis in Two Horses due to the Use of Irrigating Solutions Containing Methanol and Formaldehyde.
Can Vet J, 29(4), 350-353.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
References
This article includes 4 references
- Napke E, Stevens DG. Excipients and additives: hidden hazards in drug products and in product substitution.. Can Med Assoc J 1984 Dec 15;131(12):1449-52.
- Friedlaender GE. Immune responses to osteochondral allografts. Current knowledge and future directions.. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1983 Apr;(174):58-68.
- Stevenson DD, Simon RA. Sensitivity to ingested metabisulfites in asthmatic subjects.. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1981 Jul;68(1):26-32.
- Langer F, Gross AE, West M, Urovitz EP. The immunogenicity of allograft knee joint transplants.. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1978 May;(132):155-62.
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