Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bacterial DNA found in dog knee joints with ligament and patella
By Bhandal, Jitender et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2013·University of California Davis, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Detection of bacterial DNA by PCR in dogs with stifle pathology.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs with knee problems, including cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and medial patellar luxation (MPL), were tested for bacterial DNA in their joint fluid. The study found that bacterial DNA was present in both healthy and unhealthy joints, with slightly higher amounts in those with CCLR and MPL. However, the presence of bacteria didn't clearly indicate a specific joint disease. The researchers noted a weak link between the amount of bacterial DNA and how long the dogs had been limping. This suggests that while bacteria might be found in affected joints, they may not be the direct cause of the joint issues.
People also search for: dog knee problems bacterial infection · CCLR treatment for dogs · why is my dog limping after surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine presence of bacterial DNA in canine stifles with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and medial patellar luxation (MPL) compared to normal canine stifles (control). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 44). METHODS: Dogs of varying age, breed, sex, and weight residing in California were assessed for stifle pathology (CCLR, MPL, or normal control). Synovial fluid of all stifles was assessed for the presence of bacterial DNA using broad-ranging 16S rRNA primers and PCR. RESULTS: Bacterial DNA was detected in normal control stifles and those with CCLR and MPL. There were no statistical differences in the copy numbers of bacterial DNA in the stifle synovial fluid among groups (P > .05); however, synovial fluid specimens from dogs with stifle pathology (CCLR and MPL combined) tended to have higher copy numbers of bacterial DNA than those from controls (P = .06). There was no significant difference in the number of bacterial DNA between the CCLR and MPL groups (P = .57). The copy numbers of bacterial DNA had a weak positive significant correlation with the duration of lameness in CCLR group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased detection of bacterial DNA in the stifle synovial fluid may indicate joint pathology but not be directly linked to a specific joint disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24033641/