Management of penetrating thoracic wounds from a dog attack in a Nigerian dwarf goat: A case report.

Pet goat ownership has gradually increased in popularity and veterinarians are expected to provide gold-standard treatments for these animals. As in small-animal practice, decision-making regarding thoracic bite injuries is challenging because of the variability in clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings. Mortality rates from dog bite wounds in small animals range between 15.3 and 17.7%, and these cases represent 10% of all traumatic injuries referred to an emergency service; such information is not available regarding pet goats. The aim of this report is to describe a thoracic dog bite wound in a goat. It details the clinical, radiographic, and surgical findings and the repair, and reports the successful outcome, all to provide information to small-ruminant practitioners for treatment or referral. Future retrospective studies will help to determine prognostic factors for outcomes in goats with thoracic dog bite wounds. Key clinical message: Thoracic bite wounds are a challenge to manage, considering the potential severe underlying pathology and the absence of clear external injuries or clinical signs. Referring veterinarians and owners should be advised that goats with the presence of flail chest, pneumothorax, or rib fractures may require a higher level of intervention.

Prise en charge des plaies thoraciques pénétrantes consécutives à une attaque de chien chez une chèvre naine nigériane : rapport de cas. La possession de chèvres de compagnie a progressivement gagné en popularité et les vétérinaires devraient fournir des traitements de référence pour ces animaux. Tout comme dans la pratique des petits animaux, la prise de décision concernant les morsures thoraciques est difficile en raison de la variabilité des résultats cliniques, radiographiques et chirurgicaux. Les taux de mortalité par morsure de chien chez les petits animaux varient entre 15,3 et 17,7 %, et ces cas représentent 10 % de toutes les blessures traumatiques référées à un service d'urgence; ces informations ne sont pas disponibles concernant les chèvres de compagnie. Le but de ce rapport est de décrire une morsure thoracique de chien chez une chèvre. Il détaille les résultats cliniques, radiographiques et chirurgicaux ainsi que la réparation, et rend compte du résultat positif, le tout dans le but de fournir des informations aux praticiens des petits ruminants pour un traitement ou une référence. De futures études rétrospectives aideront à déterminer les facteurs pronostiques des résultats chez les chèvres présentant des morsures thoraciques de chien.Message clinique clé :Les morsures thoraciques sont un défi à gérer, compte tenu de la pathologie sous-jacente potentiellement grave et de l'absence de blessures externes ou de signes cliniques évidents. Les vétérinaires référents et les propriétaires doivent être informés que les chèvres présentant un volet thoracique, un pneumothorax ou des fractures des côtes peuvent nécessiter un niveau d'intervention plus élevé.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Preoperative computed tomography, surgical treatment and long-term outcomes of dogs with abscesses on migrating vegetal foreign bodies and oropharyngeal stick injuries: 39 cases (2010-2021).

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated success rates of surgical treatment of head and neck abscesses and draining tracts for suspected migrating vegetal foreign body and oropharyngeal penetrating injuries, and compared the outcomes according to whether a vegetal foreign body was identified in preoperative computed tomography (CT) examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved 39 dogs that underwent CT and subsequent surgical exploration of abscesses and/or draining tracts in the head and neck, in a single institution between 2010 and 2021. Recorded data included signalment, history, physical examination, CT and surgical findings. The postoperative follow-up period was at least 8 months. Cases were classified according to whether a foreign body was identified on CT or was only suspected because of the presence of cavities and/or draining tracts on CT. RESULTS: A vegetal foreign body was identified on CT in 11 of 39 cases and later confirmed at surgery in 10 cases. In 28 of 39 cases, a vegetal foreign body was not identified on CT, but in seven of these 28 cases it was found at surgery. Resolution of clinical signs was achieved in 11 of 11 cases when a vegetal foreign body was identified on CT and in 26 of 28 cases without a foreign body identified on CT. Two cases of recurrence were observed in animals in which no foreign body was detected. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In this population of dogs undergoing surgery after preoperative CT scan, we observed resolution of clinical signs after a single surgical procedure in 95% of the cases. All animals in which a foreign body was identified were cured.

The use of a Foley balloon catheter to control junctional hemorrhage in a dog with severe vascular injury secondary to penetrating trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Penetrating trauma is commonly seen in dogs. The severity depends on the site of injury and tissue involved. Junctional hemorrhage can be especially challenging to control given the inaccessibility of the damaged vasculature. Methods described to control life-threatening hemorrhage in dogs include direct pressure, hemostatic gauze, hemostatic powder or granules, wound packing, tourniquets, and direct clamping of the vasculature. Foley balloon catheters (FBC) are commonly used to tamponade deep vascular hemorrhage in people, but the technique has not been previously described in the veterinary literature. OBJECTIVE: To present a case of penetrating trauma (bite wound) in a dog with a transected left femoral artery and vein in which the life-threatening hemorrhage was initially controlled with tamponade using an FBC. CASE: A 7-year-old neutered male Terrier mix presented in hemorrhagic shock with an Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) of 7 and modifed Glasgow coma scale (MGCS) of 17 forty-five minutes after being attacked by another dog. The dog had sustained a deep penetrating wound to the left groin. Direct pressure and gauze packing at the site of injury were not successful at slowing the hemorrhage. A 10-Fr, 55-cm Foley catheter with a 5-mL balloon was inserted into the wound tract, and the balloon was inflated with 7.5 mL of sterile saline. Hemorrhage was controlled after inflation of the Foley balloon. CBC, blood biochemistries, abdominal point-of-care ultrasound, radiographs, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and whole blood viscoelastic testing were performed. Stabilization included fluid resuscitation, analgesics, antimicrobials, and epsilon aminocaproic acid. The dog was then anesthetized to definitively identify and control the hemorrhage. Transection of the left femoral artery and vein where identified and ligated. The dog fully recovered and was discharged 32 hours later. NEW AND UNIQUE INFORMATION: FBCs may be useful as an alternative technique for temporary control of life-threatening hemorrhage secondary to penetrating injuries in both the emergency department and prehospital settings.

Horner Syndrome With Ipsilateral Wing Paresis in a Wild, Juvenile Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus).

A juvenile yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus) was presented with paresis of the right wing, ptosis, and miosis of the right eye; feather erection of the right side of the head and neck; and a penetrating injury over the right pectoral muscle. Temporary reversal of ptosis, miosis, and feather erection after administration of phenylephrine drops confirmed a diagnosis of Horner syndrome. Computed tomographic imaging revealed a fractured rib, traumatic lung lesions, and subcutaneous emphysema. The right-sided Horner syndrome and wing paresis were attributed to a sympathetic nerve trauma of the eye and feathers and to the brachial plexus, respectively. This report describes the diagnosis and resolution of ptosis and miosis within 8 weeks and recovery of feather symmetry and wing function within 11 weeks of the cockatoo's initial presentation with a conservative-management treatment plan.

Thoracic dog bite wounds in cats: a retrospective study of 22 cases (2005-2015).

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe a series of cats suffering from thoracic dog bite wounds, in order to detail the clinical, radiographic and surgical findings, and evaluate outcomes and factors associated with mortality. METHODS: The medical records of cats with thoracic dog bite wounds presenting to a single institution between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Data relating to clinical presentation, wound depth and management, radiographic findings, surgical findings and mortality were collected. Wound depth was defined as no external wound, superficial, deep or penetrating, and wound management was defined as conservative, exploratory or thoracic exploration. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney U-test and the χ2 test. RESULTS: Twenty-two cats were included, of which two were euthanased on presentation. In cats where wound depth could be assessed (21/22), six had no external wounds, four had superficial wounds, three had deep wounds and eight suffered penetrating wounds. Sixteen cats also suffered wounds elsewhere, most commonly to the abdomen. Neither an abdominal wound nor abdominal surgery were associated with mortality. Pneumothorax was the most common radiographic finding (11/18). Individual radiographic lesions were not significantly associated with respiratory pattern, presence of pseudo-flail, need for thoracotomy or lung lobectomy, or survival. The presence of ⩾3 radiographic lesions was associated with the presence of a penetrating wound (P = 0.025) and with having thoracic exploration (P = 0.025). Local exploration was performed in 7/20 cats, while 8/20 underwent thoracic exploration. Wound management type was not significantly associated with mortality. Overall mortality rate was 27%. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Presence of ⩾3 radiographic lesions should raise suspicion of a penetrating injury and may be suggestive of injury requiring a greater level of intervention. The treating veterinarian should have a high index of suspicion for penetrating injury and be prepared in case thoracic exploratory surgery is necessary, particularly in the presence of pseudo-flail chest, pneumothorax or ⩾3 radiographic lesions.

A Retrospective Survey of Injuries Occurring in Dogs and Handlers Participating in Canicross.

OBJECTIVES: Canicross is a popular canine and human cross-country sport. The purpose of this study was to identify the most common injuries, their severity, risk factors and the recovery. METHODS: An internet-based retrospective survey design was used to examine the characteristics of injuries, demographic and competition information and associations with injury rate. RESULTS: A total of 160 surveys were received and indicated that at the time of the survey 21.9% of dogs (35/160) had experienced at least one injury. Lacerations, abrasions and punctures were the most common injury type (22/49), most frequently occurring in the footpads of the forelimb (13/16). The majority of dogs (38/49) recovered from their injuries. Sixty-nine out of 147 of the human handlers experienced injuries while competing; ankle injuries (25/69) and bruises, cuts and grazes (20/69) were the most common injuries. Risk factors for injuries were being a purebred Labrador, dogs running with another dog and additionally competing in agility. CONCLUSIONS: Labradors, dogs running with another dog and dogs also participating in agility competitions were at higher risk for injury. Injuries of the footpads of the forelimb were the most common injuries in dogs. Most dogs had a complete recovery from their injuries. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study that gives us insight into injuries occurring in dogs and handlers competing in canicross. This will help making recommendations for this sport as well as enable veterinarians to understand the risks and injuries.

Surgical management of impalement injuries to the trunk of dogs: a multicentre retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To review a large series of dogs referred for treatment of traumatic impalement injuries to the thorax and/or abdomen and to report aetiologies, injury characteristics, management and long-term outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Previously collected data on dogs that were surgically treated for impalement injuries to the trunk at six veterinary specialist referral institutions in the UK over an 11-year period were reviewed. Data included patient signalment, physiological variables, injury-specific variables, diagnostic imaging reports, surgical procedures undertaken, duration of hospitalisation, antibiotic use, complications and outcomes. Data were reported with summary statistics. RESULTS: Fifty-four dogs were included. Impalement occurred most frequently on wooden objects (n=34), and the thoracic cavity was most commonly penetrated (n=37). Computed tomography was sensitive and specific to identifying wooden material in 64% and 88% of cases (n=11), respectively. Thoracotomy was performed in 56%, coeliotomy in 20% and a foreign body or its fragments were retrieved during surgery in 37% of the cases. Complications occurred in 19 dogs (35%), and of these, 68% were minor and 32% major. The survival rate for thoracotomy cases was 93% (n=30). Overall long-term survival was 90%. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Despite the often dramatic presentation of impalement injuries, the majority of patients treated in the specialist referral setting can achieve excellent outcomes. These injuries require thorough diagnostic imaging and interpretation before adequate surgical exploration and management, augmented by anaesthesia and critical care during the peri- and postoperative periods; therefore stable patients should be referred to centres able to provide this type of care.

Traumatic pericarditis caused by a bamboo twig in captive waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus).

A 19-year-old captive male waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) exhibited traumatic pericarditis at necropsy. The animal weighed 182 kg at necropsy and revealed no remarkable findings in external observation. Severe pericardial adhesions with fibrosis, hepato-diaphragmatic adhesions, straw-colored ascites and hepatosplenomegaly were observed upon examining the internal organs. Perforations made by a 12-cm-long sharp-ended bamboo twig were detected in the reticulum, diaphragm, pericardium, lung and liver. Trueperella pyogenes was identified in pericardial fluid. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of traumatic reticulopericarditis caused by a sharp-ended bamboo twig in a captive waterbuck.

Perforating Cervical, Thoracic, and Abdominal Wounds.

Most body wall injuries in small animals are caused by bite wounds or vehicular trauma. Penetrating gunshot wounds are less common. Bite wounds are characterized by massive trauma to the body wall with associated defects, but fewer internal injuries, whereas gunshot wounds are associated with a high number of internal injuries. Vehicular accident injuries are caused by blunt force trauma and can lead to both body wall defects and internal organ damage. Impalement injuries are rare and are typically associated with internal damage. Exploratory surgery, herniorrhaphy, and aggressive wound management are recommended in the treatment of these injuries.

Course of serum amyloid A (SAA) plasma concentrations in horses undergoing surgery for injuries penetrating synovial structures, an observational clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Injuries penetrating synovial structures are common in equine practice and often result in septic synovitis. Significantly increased plasma levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) have been found in various infectious conditions in horses including wounds and septic arthritis. Plasma SAA levels were found to decrease rapidly once the infectious stimulus was eliminated. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the usefulness of serial measurements of plasma SAA as a monitoring tool for the response to treatment of horses presented with injuries penetrating synovial structures. In the current study plasma SAA concentrations were measured every 48 hours (h) during the course of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 19 horses with a wound penetrating a synovial structure were included in the current study. Horses in Group 1 (n = 12) (injuries older than 24 h) only needed one surgical intervention. Patients in this group had significantly lower median plasma SAA levels (P = 0.001) between 48 h (median 776 mg/L) and 96 h (median 202 mg/L) after surgery. A significant decrease (P = 0.004) in plasma SAA levels was also observed between 96 h after surgery (median 270 mg/L) and 6 days (d) after surgery (median 3 mg/L). Four horses (Group 2) required more than one surgical intervention. In contrast to Group 1 patients in Group 2 had either very high initial plasma concentrations (3378 mg/L), an increase or persistently high concentrations of plasma SAA after the first surgery (median 2525 mg/L). A small group of patients (n = 3) (Group 3) were admitted less than 24 h after sustaining a wound. In this group low SAA values at admission (median 23 mg/L) and peak concentrations at 48 h after surgery (median 1016 mg/L) were observed followed by a decrease in plasma SAA concentration over time. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in plasma SAA concentrations between two consecutive time points could be associated with positive response to treatment in the current study. Therefore, serial measurements of plasma SAA could potentially be used as an additional inexpensive, quick and easy tool for monitoring the treatment response in otherwise healthy horses presented with injuries penetrating synovial structures. However further studies will be necessary to ascertain its clinical utility.

Effects of topical application of silver sulfadiazine cream, triple antimicrobial ointment, or hyperosmolar nanoemulsion on wound healing, bacterial load, and exuberant granulation tissue formation in bandaged full-thickness equine skin wounds.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of 3 topically applied treatments (1% silver sulfadiazine cream [SSC], triple antimicrobial ointment [TAO], and hyperosmolar nanoemulsion [HNE]) on microbial counts, exuberant granulation tissue (EGT) development, and reepithelialization of contaminated wounds at the distal aspect of the limbs of horses. ANIMALS 8 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURES A 2.5 × 2.5-cm, full-thickness, cutaneous wound was created at the dorsal aspect of each metacarpus and metatarsus (1 wound/limb/horse), covered with nonadhesive dressing, and bandaged. Wounds were inoculated with bacteria and fungi the next day. Each wound on a given horse was randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups (SSC, TAO, HNE, or no topical treatment [control]). Bandage changes, culture of wound samples, treatments, photography for wound measurements, and biopsy were performed at predetermined time points. Time (days) until wound closure, number of EGT excisions, microbial counts, and scores for selected histologic characteristics were compared among groups. RESULTS Median time to wound closure for all groups was 42 days. Time to wound closure and histologic characteristics of wound healing did not differ among groups. Least squares mean microbial counts were significantly higher for HNE-treated wounds on days 9 and 21, compared with SSC-treated and TAO-treated wounds, but not controls. Proportions of SSC-treated (7/8) or HNE-treated (5/8) wounds needing EGT excision were significantly greater than that of TAO-treated (1/8) wounds. The proportion of SSC-treated wounds with EGT excision was greater than that of controls (3/8). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE None of the treatments resulted in more rapid wound closure, compared with that for untreated control wounds under the study conditions. When treatment is warranted, TAO may help to limit EGT formation.

Diagnosis and treatment of massive porcupine quill migration in a dog.

A 5-year-old spayed female Boston terrier mixed breed dog was presented with porcupine quill migration. The quills were difficult to detect directly using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. This case highlights difficulties faced in detecting porcupine quills with current diagnostic imaging modalities and describes surgical and medical management of a patient with massive quill migration.

Diagnostic et traitement de la migration massive des aiguilles de porc-épic chez une chienne. Une chienne Boston terrier de race croisée âgée de 5 ans a été présentée avec une migration des aiguilles de porc-épic. Les aiguilles ont été difficiles à détecter directement en utilisant une tomodensitométrieet une imagerie par résonance magnétique. Ce cas souligne les difficultés rencontrées lors de la détection des aiguilles de porc-épic avec les modalités d'imagerie de diagnostic actuelles et il décrit la gestion chirurgicale et médicale d'une patiente atteinte d'une migration massive d'aiguilles.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Treatment of a perforating thoracic bite wound in a dog with negative pressure wound therapy.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 4-year-old male Dachshund was examined following a bite attack that had occurred 5 days previously. The dog had acutely deteriorated despite IV antimicrobial treatment and fluid therapy. CLINICAL FINDINGS On initial examination, the patient was recumbent with signs of septic shock and a flail chest. Three penetrating wounds in the left thoracic wall with malodorous discharge were evident. The animal trauma triage score was 8 out of 18. Thoracic and abdominal radiography revealed displaced fractures of the left seventh, eighth, and ninth ribs and extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Additionally, a marked diffuse bronchointerstitial pattern, areas of alveolar pattern, and pneumothorax were present bilaterally. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Open surgical debridement with left lateral lung lobectomy and resection of portions of the left thoracic wall were performed. Extensive soft tissue loss precluded primary reconstruction. The defect was stabilized with a polypropylene mesh implant, and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) at -100 mm Hg was initiated. Microbial culture and susceptibility testing of tissue samples indicated the presence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. The NPWT dressing was changed 2, 5, and 7 days after surgery. Treatment was well tolerated, and the mesh was completely covered with granulation tissue 10 days after surgery. On follow-up 5, 7, 12, and 19 months after surgery, the dog was clinically normal with no apparent complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that NPWT may be a valuable adjunct when treating small animal patients with severe thoracic trauma.

Management of severe head injury with brain exposure in three loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta.

The loggerhead Caretta caretta is the most common sea turtle in the Mediterranean. Currently, sea turtles are considered endangered, mainly due to the impact of human activities. Among traumatic lesions, those involving the skull, if complicated by brain exposure, are often life-threatening. In these cases, death could be the outcome of direct trauma of the cerebral tissue or of secondary meningoencephalitis. This uncontrolled study aims to evaluate the use of a plant-derived dressing (1 Primary Wound Dressing®) in 3 sea turtles with severe lesions of the skull exposing the brain. Following surgical curettage, the treatment protocol involved exclusive use of the plant-derived dressing applied on the wound surface as the primary dressing, daily for the first month and then every other day until the end of treatment. The wound and peri-wound skin were covered with a simple secondary dressing without any active compound (non-woven gauze with petroleum jelly). Data presented herein show an excellent healing process in all 3 cases and no side effects due to contact of the medication with the cerebral tissue.

Metal projectile injuries in cats: review of 65 cases (2012-2014).

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of different types of injuries caused by various types of projectiles among urban, suburban and rural cats of different ages in order to predict the type of injury sustained. METHODS: For the period 1 January 2012 to 30 April 2014, the medical records of cats with metal projectile injuries (PIs) were searched from the archive of the university's small animal diagnostic imaging centre. Age, sex, owner address, admission during a weekend or on a working day, month of admission, projectile position (head and neck; thoracic region; abdominal region, including lumbosacral spine; forelimbs; and hindlimbs, including tail), number of projectiles, presence of a wound and fracture related to the projectile, and the type of projectile were recorded for each cat. RESULTS: Sixty-five cats with PIs were admitted during the defined period. In 38.5% of cats the projectiles found upon radiography were incidental findings. The frequency of PIs peaked in March. Airgun projectiles were found in 80.0% of the cats. PIs in two or more body regions were found in 29.2% of the cats. Among the cats that had only been shot in one body region, the projectile was most frequently found in the abdominal region, including the lumbosacral spine (41.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: These results might prompt clinicians to evaluate closely and screen for feline PIs in emergency situations.

The Diagnosis and Surgical Management of Intracardiac Quill Foreign Body in a Dog.

A dog was referred to Alta Vista Animal Hospital with a porcupine quill penetrating the right ventricle. The presenting complaint was tachypnea and dyspnea secondary to bilateral pneumothorax. Computed tomography revealed bilateral pneumothorax without evidence of quills. A median sternotomy was performed and the quill was removed. The dog recovered uneventfully. Quill injuries are common in dogs; however, intracardiac quill migration is rare. Dogs without evidence of severe cardiac injury secondary to intracardiac foreign bodies may have a good prognosis.

Computed tomography diagnosis of a thoracic and abdominal penetrating foreign body in a dog.

A 1.5-year-old, spayed female, mixed-breed dog was presented for hemoabdomen associated with an abdominal mass. Upon presentation bicavitary effusion was diagnosed. A penetrating intra-abdominal wooden foreign body was identified using computed tomography. This case describes a thoracic penetrating wooden foreign body causing bicavitary effusion following migration into the retroperitoneal space.

Diagnostic d'un corps étranger thoracique et abdominal pénétrant par tomodensitométrie chez un chien. Une chienne de race croisée stérilisée âgée de 1,5 ans a été présentée pour un hémoabdomen associé à une masse abdominale. Sur présentation, une effusion bicavitaire a été diagnostiquée. Un corps étranger en bois intra-abdominal pénétrant a été identifié par tomodensitométrie. Ce cas décrit un corps étranger en bois pénétrant dans le thorax et causant une effusion bicavitaire après la migration dans l'espace rétropéritonéal.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Management of wounds in a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) caused by traumatic bycatch injury from the spines of a spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari).

A subadult female loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) was caught in a trawl net off the west coast of Florida with a spotted eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) spine lodged in the left stifle. Surgical removal of the spine was performed and antibiotic treatment was initiated. Four weeks later, endoscopy revealed a second spine entering an intestinal lumen. The fistulous tract of the left prefemoral fossa was surgically excised and the intestinal perforation was repaired. Dehiscence occurred and a vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system was used on the wound for approximately 18 days to help reduce infection and increase the rate of healing. The left stifle wound was treated to heal by second intention. The turtle remained in rehabilitation for 19 mo before being released off the west coast of Florida. This case describes stingray envenomation injuries as a complex and potentially life-threatening bycatch effect to sea turtles caught in trawl nets.

Outcome of horses with synovial structure involvement following solar foot penetrations in four UK veterinary hospitals: 95 cases.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The factors associated with outcome following solar foot penetration involving synovial structures treated using endoscopic lavage have not been described in the UK population. OBJECTIVES: To provide descriptive data on horses with synovial contamination or sepsis following solar penetration in 4 UK equine referral hospitals and to identify specific factors associated with the outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Data were collected from 4 veterinary hospitals. Follow-up data were obtained via a telephone questionnaire. Two multivariable logistic regression models were generated. Model 1 included all horses with synovial contamination following foot penetration undergoing surgical treatment, with the outcome variable being euthanasia during hospitalisation. Model 2 included all horses surviving anaesthesia, with the outcome variable being failure to return to pre-injury athletic function. RESULTS: Ninety-five horses were included. Overall, 56% of horses survived to discharge and 36% of horses returned to pre-injury athletic function. Model 1 included penetration of the central frog sulcus (odds ratio [OR] 10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-51.8), concurrent distal phalanx involvement (OR 32, 95% CI 2.6-101.9), increasing days to presentation (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.3) and hospital. Model 2 included increasing days to presentation (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), breed (OR 32, 95% CI 2.2-135.4), more than one surgery (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.0-32.7) and hospital. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Synovial involvement following solar foot penetration has a guarded prognosis for survival to discharge and a poor prognosis for return to pre-injury athletic function. Penetration of the central sulcus of the frog and distal phalanx involvement are associated with euthanasia during hospitalisation. Delayed referral and hospitalisation are associated with both euthanasia and failure to return to pre-injury athletic function. Breed and more than one surgery are associated with failure to return to pre-injury athletic function. These data may assist veterinary surgeons and owners to make evidence-based decisions when managing cases with synovial involvement following solar foot penetration.