Retrospective Case Series of 20 Horses (2002 - 2009) Sustaining Puncture Wounds to the Navicular Bursa with Maggot Debridement Therapy as an Adjunctive Treatment

1. Introduction
Puncture wounds of the equine hoof are a common cause of equine lameness. Most superficial penetrating hoof injuries are readily treated with conservative management by simple exposure, drainage, and disinfection of the wound tract. Cases of deep puncture wounds may involve vital synovial structures. Infection of the navicular bursa, distal interphalangeal joint, deep digital flexor tendon, or tendon sheath can be difficult to overcome once established, sometimes leading to irreversible tissue damage. Deep puncture wounds involving the navicular bursa have a more guarded prognosis than puncture wounds of other parts of the foot.¹  Knowledge of the anatomy of the equine foot is essential. The navicular bursa is a unique synovial structure within the foot. The main difference is the relatively isolated and protected location, which renders it difficult to reach and assess for potential contamination.²

Special attention should be paid to the lateral or medial and central sulci of the frog, because this is a common puncture site usually involving deeper structures such as the navicular bursa. [...]