Treatment of Hygromata in Horses

Abstract

A surgical technique of open drainage, using penrose drains and pressure bandages, was used for the treatment of hygromata in four horses. In 3 cases with hygroma of the carpus, one with a secondary infection, there was complete resolution of the condition whereas in the one case with hygroma of the elbow resolution was more protracted because of difficulties in bandaging. The cosmetic and functional results after operation were most satisfactory.

Surgical repair of synovial fistulae between a carpal hygroma, the tendon sheath of the extensor carpi radialis and the antebrachiocarpal joint in a horse

“…Hygroma, or false bursa, in the subcutaneous tissues over the dorsal aspect of the carpus are relatively common consequence of traumatic injuries in horses (Van Veenendaal et al . ). Following traumatic rupture of the equine joint capsule, synovial fluid accumulates in the periarticular tissues and the resultant cavity may be subsequently lined with synoviocytes (Livesey et al .…”

“…These conditions require surgical repair of the synovial membrane and capsule rather than open drainage and pressure bandaging, where an infection arising from an open drain could lead to synovial sepsis if the swelling communicated with the joint (Van Veenendaal et al . ).…”