Nageltritt beim Pferd – eine retrospektive Analyse von 96 Fällen

Subject an aim: Puncture wounds are a common and potentially life-threatening injury in equine veterinary practice. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze data from horses presenting to the clinic with a puncture wound. Material and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patient data from horses with a puncture wound in the period from September 2008 to August 2024. Analyzed data included medical management and surgical treatment, complications, duration and costs of hospitalization, short-term survival rate and treatment success. Results: A total of 96 horses met the inclusion criteria. Seven of the 96 horses (7.3%) were euthanized after examination and diagnosis, and three others (3.1%) were euthanized during surgery. Treatment was carried out in 86/96 (89.6%) of cases and was performed under general anesthesia in 62/86 (72.1%) of the animals. The surgical procedure consisted of the funnel-shaped enlargement of the solar defect and the debridement of the complete penetrating tract. If the navicular bursa was affected, endoscopic bursal lavage was performed via the puncture tract. Systemic antibiotic treatment was preferably administered in the form of penicillin and gentamicin. Intravenous regional perfusion was undertaken in 39.5% of horses. During hospitalization, 5/96 (5.2%) horses were euthanized due to economic and prognostic considerations. 81/96 (84.4%) horses were discharged from hospital treatment. Of the 81 horses discharged from hospital treatment, 70 (86.4%) were available for follow-up. 64/70 (91.4%) animals were returned to their intended purpose. Horses with injuries to the corium, or digital cushion were reused in 96.3% (26/27), with involvement of the distal phalanx and/or deep flexor tendon in 91.2% (31/34). In the case of synovial involvement, 77.8% (7/9) of the horses were returned to their intended purpose. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Depending on the structures involved and prompt initiation of therapy, the prognosis for puncture wounds is good to excellent. If the navicular bursa is affected, endoscopic lavage via the puncture tract after gentle debridement is an effective treatment method leading to good results.