Osteomyelitis of the First Phalanx in a Horse Athlete: Case Report

Abstract

Equinoculture is an activity of great importance in Brazil, moving millions of reais annually. For many years these animals were used only as a means of transport; however, currently, horses have assumed coverage in other areas of activity, such as leisure, sports, and even therapies, without escaping their main work functions in agricultural activities. Due to the significant requirement of the locomotor system, the affections of this system are quite common in this species. Therefore, these conditions must be diagnosed and treated early to completely restore the animal's functions. Intense exercises and very demanding tests subject these animals to limb injuries. They are fast-reacting animals and, sometimes, they can generate injuries due to the shock on surfaces and objects. These skin continuity solutions can act as a door of entry for infectious agents. Osteomyelitis is an infectious process that is accompanied by bone destruction, mainly caused by gram-positive bacteria. The prognosis of animals affected by this pathology is directly influenced by the speed of correct diagnosis and the beginning of appropriate treatment. It can put the sporting purpose of the animal and life at risk if it occurs late. The present report aims to describe the case of an adult female athlete, used for polo, presenting a lesion in the right forelimb and claudication grade 4/5. The diagnosis was obtained through clinical examination and radiographic study, finding radiographic changes compatible with osteomyelitis, and established treatment.