Objective: To characterize clinical findings and outcomes for horses with heel bulb lacerations.
Animals: Medical records of a teaching hospital were reviewed to identify horses treated for heel bulb lacerations between February 2004 and October 2018. Long-term outcome was assessed by telephone communication with owners. Results were analyzed to determine association with clinical outcome.
Results: 31 mares and 31 geldings of various ages, breeds, and uses were evaluated. Thirty-six horses had a wound of 0 to 2 days' duration, and 17 horses had a wound of > 2 days' duration. Horses with a wound duration of < 2 days had a significantly greater likelihood of a higher outcome score (P = .025; OR = 7.08; 95% CI = 1.28% to 39.08%). Synovial communication with the wound was confirmed in 21 of 62 (33.9%) horses. One synovial structure was involved in 17 horses, and > 1 synovial structure was involved in 4 horses. Fifty-nine horses survived to discharge, and follow-up information was available for 18 (30.5%) horses. Of the horses available for follow-up, 78% returned to the previous level of work (14/18). Degree of lameness at presentation, degree of wound contamination, treatment prior to presentation, treatment with foot casting, and involvement of synovial structures were not found to be significantly associated with clinical outcome.
Clinical relevance: Results suggest that horses with heel bulb lacerations have a good prognosis for survival and a favorable prognosis for return to work. Clinical application of additional findings needs further investigation before clinical relevance can be ascertained.