Osteomyelitis of the sustentaculum tali in horses: 10 cases (1992-1998).
OBJECTIVE
To determine outcome of horses with osteomyelitis of the sustentaculum tali (ST), with or without associated tarsal sheath tenosynovitis, following surgical debridement and lavage.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
10 horses in which a diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the ST had been made on the basis of history, physical examination findings, and results of radiography.


METHODS
Information on results of diagnostic testing, surgical findings, postoperative treatment, and short-term outcome was obtained from the medical records. Long-term follow-up information was obtained through reevaluation of horses at the teaching hospital and telephone conversations with referring veterinarians, owners, and trainers.


RESULTS
Treatment consisted of surgical debridement, intra- and postoperative lavage, and long-term antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment. Eight horses had evidence of involvement of the tarsal sheath. One horse was euthanatized after surgery because of a lack of response to treatment; the other 9 were discharged from the hospital. Severity of lameness had improved, but all still had grade-1 or -2 lameness at the time of discharge. One horse was euthanatized after discharge because of contralateral hind limb laminitis, and another horse was lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 7 horses, 6 returned to their previous use, and 1 was sound but retired for breeding for unrelated reasons.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that horses with osteomyelitis of the ST, with or without concomitant tarsal sheath tenosynovitis, can have an excellent to good outcome and may return to their previous use after surgical debridement of affected tissues and lavage of the tarsal sheath.
Hand
D R
DR
Texas Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4475, USA.
Watkins
J P
JP
Honnas
C M
CM
Kemper
D
D
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003646:Debridement / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D010653:Phenylbutazone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013628:Talus; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D010653:Phenylbutazone