What should you know about osteomyelitis in horses?

A horse may show lameness, heat, swelling, pain near a wound, reluctance to move, or drainage from an injury or surgical site. Signs can be subtle when the affected bone is deep, and fever may be absent. A draining tract or wound that does not settle deserves veterinary attention.

Infection can enter through an open injury, reach bone after surgery or fracture, or extend from nearby soft tissue. The veterinarian will consider the wound, limb use, general health, and possible involvement of a joint or implant.

Contact an equine veterinarian promptly, restrict strenuous movement as advised, and keep the horse in a safe clean area. Do not probe the wound, apply unprescribed products, or give leftover medication. Record appetite, temperature if you have been shown how, lameness changes, and drainage.

Veterinary assessment may involve examination, radiographs, ultrasound, advanced imaging, blood tests, or a sample from the wound. Treatment can involve wound management, targeted medication, drainage, or surgery based on the site and response.

Seek emergency veterinary advice for a horse that is suddenly unable to bear weight, has severe swelling or pain, a deep puncture near a joint, marked dullness, heavy bleeding, or a rapidly worsening wound. Keep the horse quiet while help is arranged.

Could the wound involve bone or a joint? Which imaging is useful? Should the horse be rested or moved for examination? How should the wound be covered, and which changes mean the treatment plan needs review?