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Sterile nodular panniculitis in five horses.
L F Karcher1, D W Scott, M Paradis
1Department of Clinical Sciences, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6401.
Summary
Sterile nodular panniculitis, a skin condition in horses, presents as recurring subcutaneous nodules. Glucocorticoid treatment efficacy varied, with some horses responding well while others showed no improvement.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Equine Medicine
- Immunopathology
Background:
- Sterile nodular panniculitis is an inflammatory skin condition affecting horses.
- Diagnosis requires excluding infectious causes through biopsy and negative cultures.
Observation:
- Five horses presented with multiple subcutaneous nodules.
- Lesions exhibited a waxing and waning pattern, commonly on the trunk, neck, and proximal limbs.
Findings:
- Excisional biopsy confirmed panniculitis, with negative cultures and special stains ruling out infection.
- Immunosuppressive glucocorticoid therapy showed variable efficacy: curative in one, requiring daily/alternate-day use in two, and ineffective in two horses.
Implications:
- This study highlights the variable clinical presentation and treatment response of sterile nodular panniculitis in horses.
- Further research into the immunopathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies for equine panniculitis is warranted.