Use of autogenous cancellous bone grafting in the treatment of septic navicular bursitis and distal sesamoid osteomyelitis in horses.

Abstract

Six horses with septic navicular bursitis or distal sesamoid osteomyelitis were treated by means of surgical debridement and lavage, followed by packing of the wound created in the bottom of the foot with an autogenous cancellous bone graft. Two horses were euthanatized, one 18 months after surgery because of complications in the contralateral support limb, and one 68 days after surgery because of continuing severe lameness. Four horses were alive 9, 16, 21, and 42 months after surgery. One horse was used as a broodmare and did not have observable lameness. Two horses were being ridden. The remaining horse had improved markedly, but was still lame. It appears that cancellous bone grafts can be used successfully, in conjunction with debridement and antimicrobial treatment, in horses with septic navicular bursitis and distal sesamoid osteomyelitis.