Summary
Sternal osteomyelitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for horses
with chronic swelling and drainage from the ventral thorax. Other differentials should
include foreign body, fungal infection or neoplasia. The sternum can become infected
from direct trauma or penetrating wounds, or secondary to extension of a distant site
of infection, including septic jugular thrombophlebitis. Radiographs can be obtained
of the caudal sternum in the standing horse. Partial sternebrectomy can be effective
for the treatment of sternal infections in horses.
Sternebral osteomyelitis is uncommon in animals. The case reported describes the pathogenesis
and treatment of sternebral osteomyelitis that developed in a horse following abdominal
surgery. Partial sternebrectomy, local, and systemic antimicrobial therapy were effective
in resolving the infection and returning the horse to its previous use.
Keywords
Horse - sternum - osteomyelitis - sternebrectomy
