Septic tendonitis of the deep digital flexor tendon in a Thoroughbred horse referred for weight loss and intermittent fever

Summary This case report describes the history, clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment and outcome of a 3‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding. The horse was examined for chronic weight loss, intermittent fever of 4 months' duration and acute lameness of 2 weeks' duration, and was finally di...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Equine veterinary education 2017-09, Vol.29 (9), p.488-492
Main Authors: Santinelli, I., Beccati, F., Passamonti, F., Pepe, M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anti-inflammatory agents
Antimicrobial agents
Bacteria
Diagnostic systems
Discharge
Drugs
Fever
horse
Horses
Inflammation
Races
Respiratory tract
septic tendonitis
septic tenosynovitis
Surgery
Tendinitis
Tendons
Weight loss
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Summary This case report describes the history, clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment and outcome of a 3‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding. The horse was examined for chronic weight loss, intermittent fever of 4 months' duration and acute lameness of 2 weeks' duration, and was finally diagnosed with septic tendonitis of the deep digital flexor tendon and digital flexor tendon sheath caused by Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus. Investigation of the lower respiratory tract also allowed isolation of S. equi ssp. zooepidemicus. Although surgical treatment was recommended, because of the severity of the lesion and the guarded prognosis for a return to full athletic function, the owner declined surgery. The horse was therefore treated aggressively with antimicrobials using systemic, local and regional approaches, and with anti‐inflammatory drugs. At 20 months after discharge, the horse was able to race, and he is now in full work with 20 races finished successfully.
ISSN:0957-7734
2042-3292
DOI:10.1111/eve.12529