Calcinosis circumscripta in the antebrachiocarpal joint of a horse
Authors: Tóth F., Schumacher J., Newman S.
Journal: Equine Veterinary Education
Summary
# Calcinosis Circumscripta in the Equine Carpus A 4-year-old Spanish Mustang presented with a dorsolateral carpal swelling that, whilst clinically unobtrusive, revealed a substantial mineralised mass on radiography—approximately 3 cm in diameter adjacent to the proximal carpal bones within the antebrachiocarpal joint. Surgical arthrotomy and histological examination confirmed calcinosis circumscripta, a rare condition characterised by dystrophic mineralisation surrounded by multinucleated giant cells and fibrous connective tissue. The case demonstrates that this condition, more commonly reported in other species, can occur in horses with minimal clinical signs, potentially allowing asymptomatic progression until physical swelling prompts investigation. Surgical excision successfully resolved the carpal enlargement, though longer-term outcome data remain unavailable. For practitioners, the key takeaway is recognising that non-lameness-associated carpal swelling warrants radiographic evaluation, as mineralised masses may be amenable to surgical management despite their apparent benignity.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Calcinosis circumscripta should be considered in the differential diagnosis of carpal swelling, even when gait appears normal on clinical examination
- •Radiographic examination is valuable for identifying mineralised masses; surgical removal may be indicated if swelling persists or causes clinical signs
- •This condition appears to be rare in horses and surgical management with arthrotomy can be effective, though long-term follow-up data are limited
Key Findings
- •A 4-year-old Spanish Mustang mare presented with a 3 cm radiopaque mineralised mass in the antebrachiocarpal joint without associated gait abnormality
- •Histological examination confirmed calcinosis circumscripta with characteristic mineral deposits surrounded by multinucleated giant cells and fibrous connective tissue
- •Surgical removal of the mineralised mass via arthrotomy resolved carpal swelling