The first case report on metacarpal osteomyelitis in a horse in Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can occur in horses and can affect any bone in the body, including the metacarpal bone. The metacarpal bone, located in the front leg of the horse between the knee and the fetlock joint, is commonly affected by osteomyelitis caused by bacterial infection. Horse metacarpal osteomyelitis disease has been reported in different countries. However, there are no previous case reports of this disease in Ethiopia. Therefore, this case report was conducted to describe a case of metacarpal osteomyelitis infection in a 10-year-old stallion brought to the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA), Equine Hospital of Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, on November 10, 2020. Case presentation: The horse was presented with a history of decreased work capacity, depression, swelling, and lameness in the lower left foreleg. The physical examination showed clinical signs of depression, erratic gait, poor body condition, pale mucous membranes from fever and a slightly increased heart rate with normal respiratory rates. In addition, lameness of the left foreleg, pain and hot swelling were found on the left metacarpal bone and tissue, with an abscess. Diagnostic aids and X-rays were used to identify swelling of the affected metacarpal bone, revealing soft tissue swelling around the affected bone, slight destruction of the bone tissue, and irregular bone contours. Microbiological culture of the affected tissue revealed Staphylococcus bacteria. Finally, we confirmed the case as metacarpal osteomyelitis caused by Staphylococcus bacteria. A combination of antibiotics (penicillin) and an anti-inflammatory drug (phenylbutazone) was administered. The condition of the horse improved (with reduced swelling and lameness), and the horse recovered after 3 weeks. Unfortunately, since the horse was sold by the owner after recovery, long-term follow-up and health check-ups were not conducted. Conclusions: In conclusion, this is the first case report of metacarpal osteomyelitis in a horse in Ethiopia, and the findings show the importance of appropriate diagnosis and medication for successful treatment of this disease.