Traumatic Septic Tenosynovitis of the Tarsal Sheath with Fragmentation of the Sustentaculum Tali: Surgical Treatment and Outcome in 3 Horses

This case report describes surgical treatment of 3 cases of septic chronic tenosynovitis of the tarsal sheath with fragmentation of the sustentaculum tali in 3 horses. Diagnosis was based on clinical signs, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings, synovial fluid cytology, and bacteriology. In each case, treatment consisted of tenovaginoscopy of the tarsal sheath performed with the horse under general anesthesia and regional intravenous perfusion of antibiotics. Follow-up data obtained between 12 and 46 months after surgery reported a good outcome, with a good cosmetic appearance in all cases described. Two horses returned to their intended use at 44 and 46 months, and 1 horse reportedly showed a remarkable functional improvement after 12 months. Despite the poor prognosis associated with the chronicity of the lesions, the presence of adhesions and the degree of involvement of the lateral digital flexor tendon, tenovaginoscopy of the tarsal sheath and regional antimicrobial therapy were successful therapeutic options for treating septic tenosynovitis of the tarsal sheath with fragmentation of the sustentaculum tali.