Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Leucocytoclastic vasculitis associated with Staphylococcus intermedius in the pastern of a horse.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary record
- Year:
- 2005
- Authors:
- Risberg, A I et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Medical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A pregnant quarterhorse mare suddenly became very lame due to significant swelling in her right hind leg, which was initially thought to be from a fracture or a muscle tear. However, tests showed that there wasn't any trauma to the muscles or bones. A closer examination revealed that she had a skin condition known as chronic pastern dermatitis, often referred to as "scratches" or "grease heel." A biopsy of the leg showed signs of a condition called leucocytoclastic vasculitis, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels, and tests found the bacteria Staphylococcus intermedius. The treatment options and causes for this skin condition were discussed, but the outcome of the treatment is not specified.
Abstract
A pregnant quarterhorse mare became acutely lame as a result of severe swelling of its right hind leg, thought to have been caused by a fracture or a muscle tear. Diagnostic procedures ruled out a traumatic musculoskeletal cause and a physical examination revealed chronic pastern dermatitis ('scratches'/'grease heel'). Histopathological evaluation of biopsy samples from the right hind leg was consistent with a leucocytoclastic vasculitis, and culture yielded Staphylococcus intermedius. The treatment and infectious causes of pastern dermatitis are discussed.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15937241/