Impact of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) Combined with Corticosteroid on Repair of Fractures of the Proximal Phalanx in 14 Horses

摘要

This study evaluates the impact of fetlock intra-articular and digital flexor tendon sheaths intra-synovial injections of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) combined with corticosteroid as conservative treatment of mid-sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) in horses. Fourteen horses with radiographically confirmed mid-sagittal fractures of P1 were recruited for this study. These horses were treated with fetlock intra-articular and digital flexor tendon sheaths intra-synovial injections of 5 mL of 20% dimethyl sulfoxide combined with 100 mg hydrocortisone sodium succinate. Fiberglass cast was applied from the carpal joint and down to the hoof. Intravenous phenylbutazone was injected at a dose of 4.4 mg kg^?1 for one week. The animal was kept for box confinement for 3-8 weeks. Lameness re-examination and follow up radiographs were performed for each horse after 1, 2 and 3 months of treatment. All data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Horses with short and long incomplete mid-sagittal fractures showed clinical improvement in lameness after 10±1.5 and 18±3 days of treatment and returned to work after 33±2.5 and 55±5.5 days of treatment. Out of four horses with complete mid-sagittal fracture, three animals showed clinical improvement in lameness and recovery after 35±4.7 and 85±4.5 days of treatment. In conclusions, conservative treatment including; fetlock intra-articular and intra-synovial of deep digital flexor tendon sheaths injection of DMSO combined with corticosteroid, fiberglass cast and box confinement can reduce the healing time and minimize the degenerative joint changes and healing callus in both incomplete and complete mid-sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in horses.