title: Septic osteitis of the distal phalanx: findings and surgical treatment in 18 cases.
abstract: Eighteen cases of septic osteitis of the distal phalanx were diagnosed clinically and confirmed at surgery over a 6 year period (1990-1996). Focal bone lysis was the most common radiographic finding. Sequestra were identified in 4 horses, one of which was associated with a fractured plantar process. All the horses were treated surgically with open debridement. The septic process recurred in 4 horses: one was subjected to euthanasia due to navicular bursa infection, secondary to a pathological fracture, the other 3 horses responded to further debridement. A pathological fracture occurred in another horse. All the survivors were not lame 3 months post operatively, although complete healing took 1-12 months. Long term follow up was available in 14 cases. One was retired, all the other horses were back in work at a similar level of performance. This series indicates that surgical treatment of septic pedal osteitis carries a fair to good prognosis despite a high rate of post operative complications and convalescence period of up to 12 months.
authors.affiliation: Department of Farm Animal and Equine Medicine and Surgery, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, North Mymms, Hatfield, UK.
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Cauvin
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Munroe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003646:Debridement / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D010000:Osteitis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D014034:Toes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery