Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Staphylococcal septic arthritis in three horses.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1979
- Authors:
- Rose, R J & Love, D N
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Three horses were found to have a serious joint infection called septic arthritis caused by a type of bacteria known as Staphylococcus aureus. This diagnosis was made by testing samples from their joint tissues and fluids. The horses were treated with antibiotics, including cloxacillin, methicillin, and penicillin, and after treatment, tests showed that the bacteria were no longer present in the joint fluid. However, two of the horses developed some lasting damage to their joints, which required surgery to fuse one of the joints to help with stability. Overall, the treatment was effective in clearing the infection, but some complications remained.
Abstract
Three horses were diagnosed as having monarticular septic arthritis due to Staphylococcus aureus on the basis of culture of articular cartilage, synovial membrane and/or synovial fluid. The organisms were all well recognised human phage types and in two cases demonstrated beta-lactamase (penicillinase) activity. Details of case histories are presented and the bacteriological techniques and antibiotic management with cloxacillin, methicillin and penicillin discussed. Following treatment, sterile cultures of synovial fluid were achieved in all cases, but in two horses the infections resulted in degenerative articular changes. This necessitated arthrodesis of the fetlock joint in one case.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/477650/