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
Infection of Extensor Tendon Sheath
Summary
The extensor tendon sheaths are balloon-like spaces enclosed by a thin membrane. They contain a small amount of synovial fluid (egg yolk-consistency fluid that provides lubrication and nutrition to the tendon). These tendon sheaths are located on the fronts and sides of high motion areas in the limb.
Wounds introduce bacteria into this space, which can quickly colonize and create infection. The infection is particularly difficult to control because it is within this closed space.
Wounds to the front of the limb around the carpus and hock may involve the extensor tendon sheaths. Involvement of these structures completely changes the management of the wound and so it is critical to make the diagnosis early. Luckily, however, because these structures do not have weight bearing function (the extensor tendons only swing part of the limb forward), lameness is usually not severe.
Most horses that have infection of extensor tendon sheaths have severe swelling localized to a specific area near a joint. They often are reluctant to walk but will bear weight on the limb. The fact that the horse is usually not critically lame allows for the time necessary to treat these stubborn infections.
Veterinary diagnosis is through examination, ultrasound and sampling and testing of the synovial fluid for infection. Treatment involves hospitalization with aggressive flushing and medication of the tendon sheath, and may require surgical procedures.
Wounds introduce bacteria into this space, which can quickly colonize and create infection. The infection is particularly difficult to control because it is within this closed space.
Wounds to the front of the limb around the carpus and hock may involve the extensor tendon sheaths. Involvement of these structures completely changes the management of the wound and so it is critical to make the diagnosis early. Luckily, however, because these structures do not have weight bearing function (the extensor tendons only swing part of the limb forward), lameness is usually not severe.
Most horses that have infection of extensor tendon sheaths have severe swelling localized to a specific area near a joint. They often are reluctant to walk but will bear weight on the limb. The fact that the horse is usually not critically lame allows for the time necessary to treat these stubborn infections.
Veterinary diagnosis is through examination, ultrasound and sampling and testing of the synovial fluid for infection. Treatment involves hospitalization with aggressive flushing and medication of the tendon sheath, and may require surgical procedures.
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
Prognosis is fair to good with early detection and aggressive treatment. The length of time from wounding to diagnosis and treatment is most important. Once infection is well established in the nooks and crannies of the tendon sheath, treatment becomes very difficult.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- Is this infection likely to cause the horse permanent impairment or lameness?
Prevention
All of the good husbandry that reduces the incidence of wounds also reduces the likelihood of having your horse suffer a wound that involves these structures.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health