Osseous sequestration in the horse. A review of 68 cases

Sixty-eight cases of cortical bone sequestration in 67 equine patients were reviewed with regard to the clinical presentation, method of treatment, and outcome. All lesions were located in skeletal areas with minimal soft tissue coverage, with 53% of them in the metatarsal and metacarpal bones. At the time of admission, 60% of the patients with limb lesions were lame; the majority improved with therapy. After sequestrectomy, there was a trend for surgical wounds which could be managed by primary closure to heal more rapidly (3.8 weeks) than wounds which required second intention healing (6.4 weeks). The appearance of healed wounds, as evaluated by owners, was acceptable in 45 cases. Dissatisfaction with the appearance of the healed wounds in 22 cases suggested a need to address the issue of cosmetic results.