Septic arthritis in dogs: a retrospective study of 20 cases (2000-2002)
2003
Soontornvipart, K. | Kohout, P. | Proks, P. (Veterinarni a Farmaceuticka Univ., Brno (Czech Republic). Klinika Chorob Psu a Kocek)
Diagnosis of septic arthritis was confirmed by physical and orthopaedic examinations, evaluation of radiographs and synovial fluid analysis including leukocyte counts, cytological examination and bacterial culture. Sensitivity and specificity of these diagnostic methods were retrospectively evaluated from clinical records of 18 medium and large dogs with 20 septic joints treated between the years 2000 and 2002. Infection of 13 septic joints in 11 patients was spread by hematogenous route, whereas the other 7 joints (in 7 patients) were infected during surgical procedure or after joint injury. Recurrence of hematogenous joint infection was found in 2 patients. In all the patients, exercise intolerance and painful reaction in affected joint were detected. Cultures of synovial fluid samples were positive in only 8 cases. Staphylococcus intermedius, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus Group 3, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, coagulase-negative staphylococcus and Bacillus spp. were isolated. Radiographic findings included joint effusion, osteoarticular destruction and new bone proliferation and these were not specific for septic arthritis. We found that diagnostic methods used in this study showed high sensitivity but low specificity. Complex diagnostic approach including physical, orthopedic and radiographic examinations, and synovial fluid evaluation should be performed to achieve correct diagnosis and effective treatment.
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