Quittor in Horses

Quittor is a chronic infection of one of the collateral (ungual) cartilages of the foot of a horse, often resulting from a prior wound in this area. Typically, the horse develops soft tissue swelling and purulent drainage over the affected cartilage. Horses with quittor often exhibit lameness; however, the lameness may decrease when there is drainage.

Although historically most common in draft horses, quittor also occurs in other breeds.

Diagnosis of quittor is often based on clinical signs. Radiography can show changes to the affected collateral cartilage. Injection of iodinated contrast material into the tract can help define the affected portion of cartilage. Ultrasonography of the pastern region proximal to the affected cartilage can also be performed to evaluate nearby structures.

Treatment of quittor includes debridement of the affected cartilage. Often, a section of the hoof wall over the cartilage also needs to be removed to enable adequate cartilage debridement and drainage. Because of its close proximity, the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP joint) can also become septic, either from the initial disease process or during debridement. Therefore, the horse should also be administered antimicrobials, both systemically and locally (via intravenous regional limb perfusions).