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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Surg / Treatment and outcome of eight horses with limb cellulitis a...
Veterinary surgery : VS2021; 50(7); 1542-1552; doi: 10.1111/vsu.13691

Treatment and outcome of eight horses with limb cellulitis and septic tendonitis or desmitis.

Abstract: To report the clinical features, treatment, and outcome in horses with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis and/or desmitis. Methods: Short case series. Methods: Medical records from 2000 to 2019 were reviewed, identifying horses with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis and/or desmitis based on sonographic examination and positive bacterial culture. Signalment, ultrasonographic results, bacterial culture, treatment, duration of hospitalization, and complications were recorded. Long-term outcome data were obtained from follow-up examinations and/or telephone interviews. Successful outcome was defined as return to intended use. Results: Eight horses met the inclusion criteria. All infections occurred in hindlimbs, with septic suspensory ligament in six of eight horses, and septic superficial digital flexor tendon in one of eight horses. Surgical debridement was performed in six of eight horses. All horses were treated with systemic and regional intravenous antimicrobials and were discharged from the hospital. Long-term follow-up was available in seven of eight horses. Of these, four horses returned to their intended athletic function, two horses returned to their intended function as a broodmare or pasture pet, and one horse is still rehabilitating. Conclusions: Septic tendonitis or desmitis is a rare but possible sequela of limb cellulitis. Based on the findings in this study, prognosis for return to athletic function is fair to good for horses diagnosed with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis or desmitis.
© 2021 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2021-07-16 PubMed ID: 34270112DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13691Google 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.

This article outlines a study done on eight horses with limb cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis and/or desmitis. It explores the treatment options, clinical features, and outcomes of these conditions. These were monitored through sonographic examinations, bacterial culture, and long-term follow-ups.

Objective and Methods

  • The objective of this study was to report the clinical features, treatment methods, and eventual outcomes in horses suffering from cellulitis along with concurrent septic tendonitis or desmitis.
  • The researchers analyzed medical records spanning two decades, from 2000 to 2019 to verify cases of these conditions. Identification was based on sonographic examinations, bacterial cultures, and clinical features.
  • Different data such as signalment, ultrasonographic results, bacterial culture, treatment applied, length of the hospital stay, and any complications that arose were recorded.
  • The long-term outcome of the treatment was determined through follow-up examinations and telephonic interviews. A successful outcome was defined as the horse being able to return to its intended use.

Findings

  • Out of all the cases studied, only eight horses met the specific criteria for inclusion. Notably, all the infections were found in hindlimbs.
  • Septic suspensory ligament and septic superficial digital flexor tendon were found in six and one out of the eight horses, respectively.
  • Surgical debridement was performed on six out of those eight horses.
  • All the affected horses were treated with antimicrobials, both systemic and regional intravenous ones, and were eventually discharged from hospital.

Outcomes and Conclusions

  • Long-term follow-up was possible for seven out of the eight horses. Of these, four horses could return to their athletic functionalities, two to being broodmares or pasture pets, and one is still recovering.
  • In conclusion, the researchers found that septic tendonitis or desmitis is a relatively rare but possible complication of limb cellulitis.
  • From the observations and data gathered, the prognosis for horses diagnosed with these concurrent conditions returning to their athletic functionalities is considered fair to good.

Cite This Article

APA
Cooper HE, Davidson EJ, Slack J, Ortved KF. (2021). Treatment and outcome of eight horses with limb cellulitis and septic tendonitis or desmitis. Vet Surg, 50(7), 1542-1552. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13691

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 50
Issue: 7
Pages: 1542-1552

Researcher Affiliations

Cooper, Hannah E
  • New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Davidson, Elizabeth J
  • New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Slack, Joann
  • New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Ortved, Kyla F
  • New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cellulitis / therapy
  • Cellulitis / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Horses
  • Lameness, Animal
  • Ligaments
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tendinopathy / complications
  • Tendinopathy / therapy
  • Tendinopathy / veterinary
  • Treatment Outcome

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This article includes 23 references
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