Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2025; 38(04): A1-A35
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1810283
PODIUM ABSTRACTS

Comparing the Efficacy of Needle and Endoscopic Lavage in Adult Equine Fetlocks and Digital Tendon Sheaths Using Microspheres

C. P. Beggan
1   Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre, Cambridge, New Zealand
,
L. J. Oliver
1   Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre, Cambridge, New Zealand
,
L. Panizzi
2   School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
,
E. D. Aldrich
2   School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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    Introduction: Synovial sepsis is a performance-limiting, life-threatening equine emergency. Needle through-and-through (NTAT) lavage is a cost-effective method for flushing synovial structures making it practical for general practice. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of lavage of fetlocks and digital tendon sheaths, using NTAT and endoscopic techniques. As well as comparing the efficacy of the lavage technique between the two structures.

    Materials and Methods: Coloured microspheres (2 million) were injected into each fetlock and digital tendon sheath in 10 adult cadavers immediately following euthanasia. Synovial structures were assigned into either needle or endoscopic lavage groups using a random number generator with an equal number of fore- and hind-limbs assigned. Each lavage was performed using 5 L of 0.9% NaCl, with each litre of egress fluid collected for microsphere quantification. Recovery was compared between groups using descriptive statistics and generalised linear models.

    Results: A greater number of microspheres were recovered in the first litre of egress fluid from both synovial structures with the NTAT versus the endoscopic technique (p < 0.01). Both methods had similar recoveries in the second litre (p = 0.32). No differences were noted in the final three litres across structures, techniques, or between fore- and hind-limb structures. Microsphere recovery during processing ranged from 0.64 to 0.27.

    Discussion/Conclusion: This study demonstrates that, for the first litre of egress fluid, NTAT is more effective than endoscopic lavage in healthy adult equine cadaver fetlocks and digital tendon sheaths. It also shows comparable efficacy of NTAT for removing microspheres from both fetlock joints and tendon sheaths.

    Acknowledgment

    Funding for the study was provided by the New Zealand Equine Research Foundation.


     

    Publication History

    Article published online:
    15 July 2025

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