Bursitis is an inflammatory reaction within a bursa that can range from mild inflammation to sepsis. It is more common and important in horses. It can be classified as true or acquired.

Cold applications work best in the early stages of acute bursitis. Corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medications may be used to help reduce swelling and eliminate pain. In cases of septic bursitis, aggressive antibiotics are needed to treat the infection.

Bursitis generally gets better on its own. Conservative measures, such as rest, ice and taking a pain reliever, can relieve discomfort. If conservative measures don’t work, you might require: Medication.

Bursitis is likely to improve in a few days or weeks if you rest and treat the affected area. But it may return if you don’t stretch and strengthen the muscles around the joint and change the way you do some activities.

Sudden inability to move a joint. Excessive swelling, redness, bruising or a rash in the affected area. Sharp or shooting pain, especially when you exercise or exert yourself.

Bursae are lined with a membrane which produces synovial fluid. Other common bursae in the horse include the calcaneal bursa at the point of the hock, the bicipital bursa over the point of the shoulder, and the supraspinous bursa over the top of the withers.

Nonsurgical Rehabilitation. Chronic prepatellar bursitis will usually improve over a period of time from weeks to months. The fluid-filled sac is not necessarily a problem, and if it does not cause pain, it is not always a cause for alarm or treatment. The sac of fluid may come and go with variation in activity.

Synovitis (inflammation of the tissues that line the joint i.e inflammation of the synovial membranes) Capsulitis (inflammation of ligaments surrounding the MTP joint i.e. inflammation of the joint capsule) Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa adjacent to the MTP joint)

Chronic (long-term) bursitis that is left untreated can result in a build-up of calcium deposits (calcific bursitis) in the soft tissues, resulting in permanent loss of movement to the area.

The shoulders, hips, hock joints, elbows, and knees of the horse are susceptible to development of bursitis. Bursitis may be caused by trauma to the bursa either from a direct blow or through stress brought on by exercise.

Bursa are closed sacs of fluid, lined by a membrane that secretes a lubricating fluid. They are located at strategic points between joints where they act as cushions to prevent friction as the horse’s limbs move.

In some cases, surgery and/or aspiration and cleansing out of the fluid sac is needed, and it may be necessary to drain the bursa and remove inflamed synovium membrane in addition to injecting the bursa with a corticosteroid. Depending on the area, a bandage to protect and keep the area clean may be necessary.

They are located at strategic points between joints where they act as cushions to prevent friction as the horse’s limbs move. Septic bursitis occurs when the bursa becomes infected with bacteria which sometimes occurs in areas such as the navicular area which is susceptible to becoming infected when the frog of the foot is injured.