Bicipital bursitis
The bicipital bursa is a small pouch of synovial (joint) fluid that provides cushioning for the biceps tendon over the front of the shoulder.
Bicipital bursitis is inflammation of this bursa and is usually caused by trauma to the point of the shoulder or by infection from a penetrating wound. The condition will usually also involve the biceps tendon and the humerus. Affected horses will be lame, in some cases non-weight bearing, with pain on pressure at the point of the shoulder and swelling.
Diagnosis
Ultrasound scanning can show the degree of inflammation and assess the biceps tendon and bone surface. Retrieving a sample of the synovial fluid from the joint will show evidence of inflammation and a joint block will confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
Traumatic cases are usually treated with rest and anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone (‘bute’). Agents are often injected directly into the bursa such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation, and hyaluronic acid, to help repair cartilage. In cases of infection the best treatment is to flush the bursa surgically, usually via arthroscopy (key hole surgery), combined with antibiotic therapy.