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Treatment and outcome of eight horses with limb cellulitis and septic tendonitis or desmitis.

OBJECTIVE
To report the clinical features, treatment, and outcome in horses with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis and/or desmitis.


STUDY DESIGN
Short case series.


METHODS
Medical records from 2000 to 2019 were reviewed, identifying horses with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis and/or desmitis based on sonographic examination and positive bacterial culture. Signalment, ultrasonographic results, bacterial culture, treatment, duration of hospitalization, and complications were recorded. Long-term outcome data were obtained from follow-up examinations and/or telephone interviews. Successful outcome was defined as return to intended use.


RESULTS
Eight horses met the inclusion criteria. All infections occurred in hindlimbs, with septic suspensory ligament in six of eight horses, and septic superficial digital flexor tendon in one of eight horses. Surgical debridement was performed in six of eight horses. All horses were treated with systemic and regional intravenous antimicrobials and were discharged from the hospital. Long-term follow-up was available in seven of eight horses. Of these, four horses returned to their intended athletic function, two horses returned to their intended function as a broodmare or pasture pet, and one horse is still rehabilitating.


CONCLUSION
Septic tendonitis or desmitis is a rare but possible sequela of limb cellulitis. Based on the findings in this study, prognosis for return to athletic function is fair to good for horses diagnosed with cellulitis and concurrent septic tendonitis or desmitis.