Treatment of traumatically induced synovial sepsis in horses with gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges.

This research studied the effect of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge treatment on eight horses suffering from synovial sepsis caused by trauma. The result suggested that this treatment approach was safe, useful, and had the added benefit of being bioabsorbable.

Objective of the Study

• The goal of the study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges in treating synovial sepsis in horses caused by trauma. Synovial sepsis is a serious condition in horses that can lead to joint inflammation and possible loss of limb function. The research aims to offer a new treatment option that can be beneficial in managing this condition.

Research Method

• The study used a sample size of eight horses which had synovial sepsis induced by trauma. The horses underwent treatment through arthroscopic/tenoscopic debridement and lavage, processes that involve the surgical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue, and washing out of a body cavity or wound.
• Following the surgical procedures, each horse was given an implant of a gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponge. Gentamicin is an antibiotic that combats bacteria, while collagen is a protein that aids wound healing.

Findings

• Of the eight horses treated, seven responded favourably to the treatment and showed no signs of lameness or distress six months after treatment.
• The remaining horse required a further surgical procedure but finally recovered as well.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that gentamicin-impregnated collagen sponges are a safe and useful adjunct to the treatment of septic joints and tendon sheaths in horses.
• They also highlighted the advantage of these sponges in being bioabsorbable. This means they are designed to be absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for a second procedure to remove them. This reduces the chance of complications and can lessen discomfort and recovery times for the patient.