[Fibrino-purulent flexor tendon tendinitis in infected tendovaginitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath in cattle].

Seven cattle with purulent tenovaginitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath were examined. The highly inflamed portions of the deep and superficial digital flexor tendons were resected and submitted for pathologic examination in five cases. The histopathologic results confirmed the diagnosis fibrino-purulent or purulent tendinitis. In addition to the classic route of infection via the tendon sheath, it is thought that direct hematogenous infection of the tendon may be possible. The possibility of a purulent tendinitis should be considered when evaluating prognosis and treatment of an infected tendon sheath.