Veterinary Research Forum

Extensive subcutaneous emphysema secondary to axillary penetrating wound in a mule: a case report and literature review

Document Type : Clinical Report

Authors

Ghader Jalilzadeh-Amin 1
Masoud Ahmadnejad-Asl-Gavgani 2
Amin Kheirolahzadeh-Maleki 1
Mahyar Hanafi 1

1 Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran

2 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30466/vrf.2025.2068821.4881
Abstract
Generalized subcutaneous emphysema (GSE) is an uncommon clinical presentation in equids, typically associated with penetrating trauma and rarely compromising systemic health. This case report documents a 4-year-old working mule presenting with diffuse subcutaneous emphysema secondary to an axillary penetrating wound in the right forelimb. Clinical examination revealed pronounced crepitus without concurrent ataxia, dyspnea, dehydration, or gastrointestinal dysfunction. Diagnostic investigations, including ultrasonography, radiography, complete blood count, paracentesis, and bacterial culture, yielded unremarkable hematological findings and no microbial growth. The wound was managed via local debridement, with adjunct systemic therapy, including penicillin G and flunixin meglumine. Complete resolution occurred within five days under stall rest. This case underscores that generalized subcutaneous emphysema in mules may represent a benign, self-limiting condition when infectious etiologies are excluded. Conservative management, including compulsory rest and anti-inflammatory therapy, can facilitate spontaneous resolution while mitigating risks of pneumothorax or gas gangrene. The rarity of non-infectious generalized subcutaneous emphysema in equids warrants further etiopathological investigation to establish species-specific prognostic criteria.

Keywords

Equine
Mule
Penetrating trauma
Subcutaneous emphysema
Wound management
Subjects
Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 17, Issue 4
April 2026
Pages 293-295

  • Receive Date 16 August 2025
  • Revise Date 08 October 2025
  • Accept Date 15 November 2025

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