Mastocytoma in the common carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons of a horse

Abstract

A 13-year-old Morgan gelding was examined for right forelimb lameness and tenosynovitis of the right common carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons. The horse had moderate right forelimb lameness at the trot and marked effusion of the right common carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a soft tissue mass within the proximal pouch of the affected tendon sheath, located adjacent to the distal physis of the radius. Cytology and culture of the fluid revealed a sterile, eosinophilic tenosynovitis. Tenoscopic exploration confirmed the presence of a capsulated soft tissue mass. Thecotomy was required to fully debride the mass, which histology revealed to be a mast cell tumour. At 22 months postoperatively, the horse developed mild right forelimb lameness and eosinophilic tenosynovitis because of recurrence of the mastocytoma. Mastocytosis is a possible differential diagnosis in any horse exhibiting lameness associated with tenosynovitis. Surgical excision combined with rest and postoperative intrasynovial and systemic corticosteroids may be palliative.