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Equine veterinary journal2019; 52(1); 91-97; doi: 10.1111/evj.13127

Synovial sepsis of unknown origin in the adult Thoroughbred racehorse.

Abstract: Synovial sepsis of unknown origin is a rare cause of lameness in the adult horse, and a haematogenous pathogenesis has been proposed in previous cases. Objective: To describe the features and outcome of synovial sepsis of unknown origin in adult Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Hospital records for admissions between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed to identify adult horses diagnosed with synovial sepsis of unknown origin. Presentation, clinicopathological, microbiological and diagnostic imaging findings were recorded. Treatment methods, surgical findings, complications and long-term outcome were evaluated. Results: Eleven cases were identified over the study period. Diagnosis was established from clinical examination and clinicopathologic findings, which were comparable to other aetiologies of synovial sepsis. Affected structures included synovial joints, tendon sheaths and bursae. Concurrent osteochondritis dissecans or articular cartilage lesions were evident during arthroscopic surgery in three cases. Significant intrasynovial haemorrhage was not identified. Microbial culture of synovial fluid or synovial biopsy was positive in 6/11 of cases, with all isolates being Gram-positive cocci. Of the 6 positive microbial cultures, all isolates demonstrated in vitro sensitivity to a cephalosporin antimicrobial agent. A concurrent remote wound was present in a single case. No other potential origins of bacteraemia were identified. Treatment methods included endoscopic surgery, standing multineedle lavage, intravenous regional limb perfusion, intrasynovial medication and/or systemic antimicrobial administration. All horses survived to hospital discharge. For the 6/11 cases that raced following synovial sepsis, the median period for return to racing was 221 days. Conclusions: A small study population, which was retrospectively reviewed. Conclusions: Synovial sepsis of unknown origin is rare in the adult Thoroughbred racehorse and can affect a range of synovial structures. A concurrent potential source of bacteraemia is rarely identified. With appropriate management, the prognosis to return to racing is fair.
© 2019 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2019-05-20 PubMed ID: 31006125DOI: 10.1111/evj.13127Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses a study on synovial sepsis of unknown origin in adult Thoroughbred racehorses, covering its characteristics, different treatment methods, and outcomes.

Study Methodology

  • The researchers conducted a retrospective case study, where hospital admission records between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed.
  • They identified adult horses that had been diagnosed with synovial sepsis of unknown origin.
  • Various aspects such as presentation, clinicopathological, microbiological, and diagnostic imaging findings were recorded.
  • Treatment methods, surgical findings, complications and long-term outcomes were also evaluated.

Findings

  • Eleven cases were identified during the study period. The diagnosis was made from clinical examination and clinicopathologic findings, which mirrored other etiologies of synovial sepsis.
  • Synovial joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae were among the affected structures.
  • During arthroscopic surgery, three cases showed simultaneous osteochondritis dissecans or articular cartilage lesions, while significant intrasynovial haemorrhage did not present in any cases.
  • In six out of eleven cases, a positive microbial culture of synovial fluid or synovial biopsy was found, with all isolates being Gram-positive cocci.
  • All these microbial cultures demonstrated in vitro sensitivity to a cephalosporin antimicrobial agent.
  • A remote wound concurrent was present in only one case, with no other potential origins of bacteraemia identified.

Treatments and Outcomes

  • Used treatment methods include endoscopic surgery, standing multineedle lavage, intravenous regional limb perfusion, intrasynovial medication, and/or systemic antimicrobial administration.
  • All horses survived and were discharged from the hospital.
  • For the six out of eleven cases that raced following synovial sepsis, the median period for return to racing was 221 days.

Conclusions

  • The researchers noted that synovial sepsis of unknown origin is rare in adult Thoroughbred racehorses and can affect a range of synovial structures.
  • A concurrent possible source of bacteraemia was seldom identified.
  • The study, being a small study population and reviewed retrospectively, concluded that with appropriate management, the prognosis to return to racing is fair.

Cite This Article

APA
Byrne CA, Lumsden JM, Lang HM, O'Sullivan CB. (2019). Synovial sepsis of unknown origin in the adult Thoroughbred racehorse. Equine Vet J, 52(1), 91-97. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13127

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 1
Pages: 91-97

Researcher Affiliations

Byrne, C A
  • Randwick Equine Centre, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Lumsden, J M
  • Randwick Equine Centre, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Lang, H M
  • Randwick Equine Centre, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
O'Sullivan, C B
  • Randwick Equine Centre, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthroscopy / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horses
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Synovectomy / veterinary
  • Synovial Membrane
  • Synovitis / pathology
  • Synovitis / therapy
  • Synovitis / veterinary
  • Therapeutic Irrigation / veterinary
  • Treatment Outcome

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