Infection of the intertubercular bursa in horses: Four cases (1978-1991)

Abstract

Objective - To determine the clinical outcome of horses treated for infection of the intertubercular bursa (infectious bicipital bursitis). Design-Retrospective analysis of case records. Animals - Four horses referred 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 flexion and extension of the scapulohumeral joint were resented. Ultrasonography performed in 1 horse revealed that the bicipital bursa was large and that excessive amounts of fluid containing hyperechoic material were evident within the bicipital bursa. Two horses were treated by the administration of antimicrobial and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Both remained lame and failed to resume their former activity. Two horses additionally were treated surgically by means of a partial synovectomy. Both resumed their former activity although a subtle lameness remained in 1 horse Clinical Implications-Partial synovectomy may be useful in the treatment of horses with infectious bicipital bursitis.