Surgical and traumatic wound infections, cellulitis, and myositis in horses

Surgical site infections (SSIs) and traumatic wound management remain challenging clinical scenarios. The prevention of SSIs involves meticulous surgical technique and aftercare. Traumatic wounds require thorough evaluation to assess the involvement of synovial structures and radiographs to check for fractures. Chronic wounds can require a biopsy and histologic evaluation to obtain a diagnosis, because many underlying pathologic processes grossly appear similar but different treatment regimens are required. Early recognition and diagnosis of cellulitis and myositis enable the rapid aggressive intervention necessary for a positive outcome. Any delay in diagnosis and treatment increases the complication and mortality rates and makes these conditions difficult to treat successfully.