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This article was published in 1946
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INSTITUTE OF INSPECTORS OF STOCK OF N.S.W. YEAR BOOK.
Suspected Ulcerative Lymphangitis in a Horse
E. G. LOWE, B.V.Sc., Inspector of Stock, Coonamble.
The subject of this case report, considered to be very unusual, first came under the writer's notice on 29th September, 1945; as what was thought then to be a simple stake wound. The treatment advised was simply to foment the part with hot water.
The patient, a pony gelding aged about three years, was examined on 10th October. The owner, who is a rabbiter, lives on an area which was once a Chinaman's garden. Several horses are used by this man in his work, but the one affected has been used in the town area only. When first seen this horse had a temperature of 102°F. The general condition was good and, although somewhat dull in appearance, the patient was taking an interest in its surroundings. Eating and drinking were normal.
The site of the injury was the near fore leg; about one inch above, and on the anterior aspect of, the coronet. The leg was swollen and stiff. Earlier the limb had been carried, but at this examination it was capable of supporting some weight. Around the coronet, there were a number of ulcerative lesions, varying in size from 0.5 to 1 cm. in diameter. These ulcers were flat and red in the centre but were much more prominent towards the periphery, with definitely enlarged margins. Irregularly spaced along the anterior and lateral aspects of the metacarpus and forearm to the elbow were similar lesions, but of greater size; from 2 to 3 cms. diameter. Between, and joining, these ulcers the lymphatics were most prominent.
Along the upper arm to the anterior surface of the shoulder there were a further three lesions (two erupted and one not then broken); while two or three more, all discharging, were seen in the pectoral region. The horse was seen again one week later; hot fomentations having been applied in the meantime to each fresh lesion as it was observed; incision of each being carried out when it came to a "head." The temperature again was 102. The animal was bright and feeding normally, though the affected limb still was swollen and obviously painful. Lesions remained as already described, with the addition of some further ones on the medial aspect of the elbow, and one, still unbroken, just above the knee.
Following bacteriological examination of specimens consisting of pus smears and a pipette of pus, the Director of Veterinary Research advised on 9th November that streptococci in pure culture had been recovered; thus indicating that the condition was due to this organism.
Although for some time there was one persistent lesion on the inside of the forearm and another in the pectoral region, when the pony was seen on 22nd November all lesions had healed completely. The forearm remained swollen and there still was a certain amount of stiffness in the leg.
Where the ulcers had healed, and also along the course of the lymphatics, the skin remained hairless; and it thus was possible to trace the full course of the condition — from the region of the coronet to the pectoral area.
The only treatment carried out was hot fomentation, incision as described and then washing of the ulcerated areas with a Dettol solution.