Olecranon bursitis in horse

Olecranon bursitis in horse is also knowns as shoe boil or capped elbow. It is an acquired bursitis typically due to trauma from contact of the ipsilateral horse shoe with the elbow.

The injury may occur when the animal lies down or, in the gaited horse, during work. Repeated trauma is prevented by wrapping the foot in a boot or cotton bandage. In the acute stages, fluid is usually present within the bursa. Lameness is typically not present unless the bursitis has become septic. Draining tracts suggest infection, which may be iatrogenic or due to a foreign body. As the condition becomes chronic, the fluid is often replaced by fibrous tissue.

Ultrasonographic exam typically reveals a subcutaneous position of the bursa and may be helpful to characterize the bursitis as acute or chronic (fluid filled or fibrous). The presence of a foreign body or bone involvement may be seen ultrasonographically. Once infection can be ruled out, then drainage and injection with a corticosteroid may be necessary, provided conservative therapy has not been effective. Strict aseptic technique is necessary to prevent infection of the acquired bursa. Once the bursa wall thickens with fibrous tissue, treatment becomes more problematic.

Surgical drainage and the placement of drains may become necessary. More extreme measures may be necessary if there is no response. Repeated ultrasonographic examination can assist the clinician in determining the response to each stage of treatment.