Perisuspensory abscessation in eight horses with hindlimb cellulitis

This study reports a distinct presentation of cellulitis, which involved formation of perisuspensory abscessation in eight horses. Medical records of horses presented for cellulitis unresponsive to medical treatment were reviewed. Cases in which perisuspensory abscesses were diagnosed were included. All abscesses formed between the cannon bone and suspensory ligament and extended around one or both suspensory branches. Abscesses were diagnosed via ultrasonography upon admission in three horses and developed within a few days following admission in five horses. All horses were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, topical therapies and regional limb perfusions; however, only partial improvement of clinical signs was observed with medical therapy alone. Full resolution of clinical signs was obtained in all cases once the abscess was surgically lanced and drained. The surgical drainage was performed standing in seven cases and under general anaesthesia in one. In all cases, Staphylococcus aureus was cultured. Six out of eight isolates showed at least some level of antibiotic resistance, and penicillin and trimethoprim sulfonamides were most commonly involved. Short-term complications included skin necrosis in two cases and mild impaction colic in two cases and were successfully treated. All horses were discharged from the hospital within 4–13 days and were sound upon discharge. All Thoroughbreds (n = 7) were able to return to their intended use, and the Standardbred was unraced prior to the cellulitis event and remained unraced afterwards.