SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF PRECARPAL HYGROMA I N CATTLE - 17 CASES (1990-1994)

This retrospective study describes the case reports of 17 cattles suff ering from precarpal hygroma, admitted to the clinic for food animals and horses, University of Berne, between 1990 and 1994. The following criteria were evaluated: sex, age, and bodyweight, case history clinic al findings at admission, surgical technique, after care, and short- a nd long-term results. The hygroma was congenital in 3 cases and acquir ed at the age of 2 to 84 months in 14 cases. Characteristic clinical f indings at admission were a nonpainful, fluctuating well delineated sw elling of the precarpal area with a maximal diameter of 6 to 20 cm, wh ich did not provoke any lameness. Treatement consisted of surgical exc ision of the bursa. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia wit h the animal in lateral recumbency and the affected limb positioned up permost. After placing a tourniquet proximal to the carpal joint, rout ine preparation and draping of the surgical field, the bursa was resec ted completely, a penrose drain introduced, and primary wound closure attempted. Aftercare consisted of parenteral antimicrobial treatment a nd immobilisation of the affected limb with a full-limb splint bandage to prevent wound dehiscence and seroma formation. Primary wound heali ng was achieved in all cases. At the time of long-term follow-up evalu ation, 4 to 48 months after surgery, telephone conversation with the o wners revealed uncomplicated healing in 16 cases. in one case, recurre nce of the hygroma had occurred a few weeks after surgical excision ha d been performed.