Quittor

Veterinary advice should be sought before applying any treatment or vaccine.

Quittor

Quittor is necrosis and infection of the lateral and collateral cartilage of the foot. When ossification (bone remodeling) of these same cartilages occurs, it is referred to as sidebone. Quittor is characterized by a chronic purulent (sometimes intermittent) discharge in the area at or just above the coronary band. One or more sinus tracts may extend from the infected deep tissues of the cartilage through the skin to the coronary band. Quittor can be caused by trauma to the foot over the coronary band or pastern region of the cartilage.

Quittor Treatment


Treatment of quittor requires surgical removal of the dead and infected tissue, antibiotics, and supportive care. Maggot therapy my also be helpful for aiding in the removal of the dead and infected tissue.

Symptoms

Purulent discharge from a wound just at or above the coronary band
Swelling
Inflammation
Deformity of the hoof wall
Lameness

Diagnosis

  • History
  • Clinical signs
  • Physical exam
  • Radiographs

Support

Therapies

TherapiesDetails
SurgeryExcision of necrotic ungular cartilage
Antibiotic therapy
Maggot therapy

Prevention

  • Maintain regular farrier visits
  • All puncture wounds, either nail pricks or other accidental injuries, should be treated, by cleaning them and applying an antibiotic foot spray and poulticing, where necessary, without delay

Prognosis

Usually associated with a good prognosis although recurrence is often possible.

Scientific Research

General Overviews

Risk Factors

  • Trauma to the coronary band area