INFECTION OF THE INTERTUBERCULAR BURSA IN HORSES - 4 CASES (1978-1991)

Objective-To determine the clinical outcome of horses treated for infe ction of the intertubercular bursa (infectious bicipital bursitis). De sign-Retrospective analysis of case records. Animals-Four horses refer red for treatment of infectious bicipital bursitis. Procedure-Medical records of horses that were severely lame on admission were reviewed. Results-In 3 horses, palpation over the bicipital bursa as well as fle xion and extension of the scapulohumeral joint were resented. Ultrason ography performed in 1 horse revealed that the bicipital bursa was lar ge and that excessive amounts of fluid containing hyperechoic material were evident within the bicipital bursa. Two horses were treated by t he administration of antimicrobial and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory d rugs. Both remained lame and failed to resume their former activity. T wo horses additionally were treated surgically by means of a partial s ynovectomy. Both resumed their former activity although a subtle lamen ess remained in 1 horse. Clinical Implications-Partial synovectomy may be useful in the treatment of horses with infectious bicipital bursit is.