Changes

Also Known As – '''''Phalangeal cartilage necrosis – Lateral cartilage necrosis - Third Phalanx cartilage necrosis – Distal phalanx cartilage necrosis – Subcoronary abscess – Coronary sinus injury'''''

Also Known As: '''''Phalangeal Cartilage Necrosis — Lateral Cartilage Necrosis — Third Phalanx Cartilage Necrosis — Distal Phalanx Cartilage Necrosis — Subcoronary Abscess — Coronary Sinus Injury'''''

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Quittor is a '''chronic, purulent inflammatory disease of the lateral cartilages of the [[Equine Phalanges - Anatomy & Physiology|third (distal) phalanx]].'''

Quittor is a '''chronic, purulent inflammatory disease of the lateral cartilages of the [[Phalanges - Horse Anatomy#Distal Phalanx|third (distal) phalanx]].'''

Infection of the cartilage is '''caused by injury to the coronet, sole, heel or pastern regions''', allowing deep introduction of infection. This causes '''abscesses to form and sinus tracts''' to extend from the diseased cartilage, breaking through the '''skin in the coronary region.'''

Infection of the cartilage is '''caused by injury to the coronet, sole, heel or pastern regions''', allowing deep introduction of infection. This causes '''abscesses to form and sinus tracts''' to extend from the diseased cartilage, breaking through the '''skin in the coronary region.'''

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

The first sign of quittor is '''inflammation and swelling over the alar cartilage'''. The consequent abscess may be visible or pain may be exhibited on palpation of the area. Quantity of ''purulent discharge''' varies, so may only be detectable as '''matting of the hair or may stream freely down the hoof.'''

The first sign of quittor is '''inflammation and swelling over the alar cartilage'''. The consequent abscess may be visible or pain may be exhibited on palpation of the area. Quantity of '''purulent discharge''' varies, so may only be detectable as '''matting of the hair or may stream freely down the hoof.'''

Lameness occurs during the acute stage of disease although both '''pain and lameness may be intermittent''', particularly early in disease progression.

[[Lameness - Horse|Lameness]] occurs during the acute stage of disease although both '''pain and lameness may be intermittent''', particularly early in disease progression.

Without treatment, infection, abscessation and necrosis will extend to deeper structures and prognosis is grave.

Without treatment, infection, abscessation and necrosis will extend to deeper structures and prognosis is grave.

'''Antibiotics and specialised dressings''' such as those impregnated with '''silver''' may assist more rapid healing.

'''Antibiotics and specialised dressings''' such as those impregnated with '''silver''' may assist more rapid healing.

Early lesions treated aggressively often respond well but involvement of the coronary band or joint capsule involvement and chronic lesions carry a poor prognosis.

Early lesions treated aggressively often respond well but involvement of the coronary band or joint capsule and chronic lesions carry a poor prognosis.

{{Learning

{{Learning

|flashcards = [[Quittor Flashcards]]

|flashcards = [[Quittor Flashcards]]

}}

}}

Merck Veterinary Manual, '''Quittor''', accessed online 24/07/2011 at http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/90727.htm

Merck Veterinary Manual, '''Quittor''', accessed online 24/07/2011 at http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/90727.htm

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]] [[Category: Musculoskeletal Diseases - Horse]]

 

 

 

[[Category:Expert Review - Horse]] [[Category: Musculoskeletal Diseases - Horse]]