Septic tenosynovitis and focal osteomyelitis of the lateral proximal sesamoid bone in a thoroughbred gelding

Chronic septic tenosynovitis with concurrent, associated focal osteomyelitis of the lateral proximal sesamoid bone was diagnosed in a seven-year-old thoroughbred gelding. Surgical management of this case consisted of open annular ligament desmotomy and curettage of the affected sesamoid. Following lavage of the digital sheath the incisional wound was closed but a 2 cm gap was left distally to allow for postoperative open drainage. The distal limb was bandaged and the horse treated with antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Sepsis resolved and the horse made a gradual return to full work.