Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Septic or Infected Flexor Tendon Sheath (in Adult)
Synonyms: Joint Ill
Summary
The tendon sheath is the balloon like structure that encloses and lubricates the flexor tendons slightly above and below the fetlock joint. The digital flexor tendon sheath is present on both front and hind limbs on the rear of the fetlock joint. See the accompanying photo for the location of the normal tendon sheath.
A septic (infected) tendon sheath usually results from a wound that has penetrated into the sheath, most often on the rear of the pastern. Bacteria are introduced into the sheath and proliferate, and a massive inflammatory process follows. More rarely, infection can be introduced during veterinary injection of the tendon sheath. Very rarely (more commonly in foals), bacteria can arrive in the tendon sheath via transport in the blood.
As with any infected synovial (joint or tendon sheath) structure, infection causes severe lameness and swelling and is a life threatening problem. As long as there is a wide open wound and significant drainage, lameness is not as severe. Once the wound heals closed, the tendon sheath becomes a closed "abscess" and the horse is severely lame.
A septic (infected) tendon sheath usually results from a wound that has penetrated into the sheath, most often on the rear of the pastern. Bacteria are introduced into the sheath and proliferate, and a massive inflammatory process follows. More rarely, infection can be introduced during veterinary injection of the tendon sheath. Very rarely (more commonly in foals), bacteria can arrive in the tendon sheath via transport in the blood.
As with any infected synovial (joint or tendon sheath) structure, infection causes severe lameness and swelling and is a life threatening problem. As long as there is a wide open wound and significant drainage, lameness is not as severe. Once the wound heals closed, the tendon sheath becomes a closed "abscess" and the horse is severely lame.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Fair to guarded with aggressive treatment. Grave without appropriate treatment.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
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Wound to Limb near Joint or Tendon Sheath
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Lameness, Severe, Cannot Support Weight on Limb
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Reluctant to Move, Walk. Not Under Saddle
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Healing Leg Wound, Sudden Increase in Swelling, Drainage or Lameness
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Lameness, Worse after Joint Injection
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Resists Raising, Lifting, or Bending a Limb
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Wound at or near Hock
Less Common
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Wound to Hoof Wall, Piece is Pulled or Torn Off
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Wound at or near Carpus (Knee)
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Pointing, Placing One Limb Forward when Standing
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Single Lump or Swelling on Lower Limb or Leg
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Puncture Wound, Anywhere on Body
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Wound is Very Slow Healing or Not Healing
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Penetrating Nail or other Object in Sole, Hoof or Frog
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Pain Response to Pressure on Flexor Tendons or Suspensory Ligament
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Bubble of Soft Swelling on Outside &/or Front of Hock
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Is there infected bone present within the joint also?
- How much joint or tendon sheath destruction do you think has already taken place?
- What are the chances that you are able to clear the infection with the most aggressive treatment protocols versus the less aggressive?
Prevention
Wounds in this area can be serious, even if they look small and simple. Always call your vet to discuss injuries to this area, especially when accompanied by lameness. Good basic husbandry reduces the likelihood of wounds.