SYNOVIAL INFECTION
Most experienced trainers will know from bitter experience that a seemingly tiny wound can have a big impact if a horse is unlucky enough to sustain a penetrating injury right over a critical structure like a joint capsule or tendon sheath. Collectively, joints and tendon sheaths are called synovial structures, and synovial infection is a serious, potentially career-ending and sometimes life-threatening problem. A team of veterinary researchers from Liverpool University Veterinary School, led by this writer, have recently published a study in Equine Veterinary Journal that examines factors influencing outcome and survival. WORDS: DR. PETER MILNER PHOTOS: SHuTTERSTOck, DR. PETER MILNER
What is synovial infection?
Infection involving a synovial cavity, such as a joint or tendon sheath, is a common and potentially serious injury for the horse. The most prevalent cause is a wound, although a smaller proportion of cases result following an injection into a joint or tendon sheath, or after elective orthopedic surgery to the area. Additionally, infection can occur via the bloodstream, particularly in foals that have not received enough colostrum. Left untreated, the horse will remain in pain, and ongoing infection and inflammation can result in permanent damage. This can ultimately result in euthanasia on welfare grounds.
What factors are important for horse survival?
When a synovial infection occurs there is a ISSUE 37 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM
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