Infection of the intertubercular bursa in horses: four cases (1978-1991).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the clinical outcome of horses treated for infection of the intertubuercular bursa (infectious bicipital bursitis).


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of case records.


METHODS
Four horses referred for treatment of infectious bicipital bursitis.


METHODS
Medical records of horses that were severely lame on admission were reviewed.


RESULTS
In 3 horses, palpation over the bicipital bursa as well as flexion and extension of the scapulohumeral joint were resented. Ultrasonography performed in 1 horse revealed that the bicipital bursa was large and that excessive amounts of fluid containing hyperechoic material were evident within the bicipital bursa. Two horses were treated by the administration of antimicrobial and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Both remained lame and failed to resume their former activity. Two horses additionally were treated surgically by means of a partial synovectomy. Both resumed their former activity although a subtle lameness remained in 1 horse.


CONCLUSIONS
Partial synovectomy may be useful in the treatment of horses with infectious bicipital bursitis.
Vatistas
N J
NJ
Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA.
Pascoe
J R
JR
Wright
I M
IM
Dyson
S J
SJ
Mayhew
I G
IG
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002062:Bursitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005552:Forelimb; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010653:Phenylbutazone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000074402:Synovectomy
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D010406:Penicillins; D010653:Phenylbutazone