Septic Tenosynovitis Caused by Porcupine Quills: Clinical and Diagnostic Findings, Treatment, and Long-Term Outcome in Seven Horses

The aim of this case series is to characterize and describe traumatic lesions caused by porcupine quills involving the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) in horses. Seven horses with a total of eight DFTS involved were included in the study. They underwent an in-depth diagnostic investigation followed by tenoscopic lavage. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by a telephone questionnaire to the owners of all patients included in the study. One horse did not reach the intended level of activity, whereas six horses reached the athletic levels the owners were expecting. Traumatic injuries of the DFTS caused by porcupine quills are not rare conditions where this rodent is common. The prognosis can be considered good for athletic purposes with an accurate diagnostic investigation and aggressive tenoscopic treatment, despite the fact that tendons within the sheath or ligaments adjacent to it are involved in most cases.