Arthroscopic treatment of temporomandibular joint sepsis in a horse.
OBJECTIVE
To report arthroscopic debridement and lavage of a septic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a horse.


METHODS
Clinical case report.


METHODS
A 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare.


METHODS
Arthroscopic investigation of the dorsal joint pouch of the right TMJ was made through a stab incision into the dorsocaudal compartment. Mechanized resection of synovium and fibrinous debris combined with copious lavage, and intra-articular and systemic antibiotic administration was used to treat the septic TMJ.


RESULTS
Arthroscopic debridement and lavage of the TMJ, in combination with intra-articular and systemic antimicrobials resulted in resolution of sepsis. Eight months post-operatively, there was no clinical evidence of degenerative joint disease or ankylosis of the TMJ.


CONCLUSIONS
TMJ sepsis is rare in horses, however, standard arthroscopic equipment can be used in the management of this condition with minimal complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopic debridement and lavage should be considered for evaluation and initial treatment of TMJ sepsis in horses.
Carmalt
James L
JL
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, 52 Campus Drive, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. carmalt_vet@hotmail.com
Wilson
David G
DG
D000818:Animals; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006736:Horses; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000662:veterinary; D018805:Sepsis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D018502:Streptococcus equi / Q000187:drug effects; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome