Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Dog with septic arthritis from porcupine quill in elbow
By Brisson, Brigitte A et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2004·Department of Clinical Studies, Canada·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ultrasonographic diagnosis of septic arthritis secondary to porcupine quill migration in a dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 7-year-old male German Shepherd was brought in for lethargy and jaundice after developing a limp in his right front leg following the removal of porcupine quills from his face. The vet diagnosed septic arthritis in his elbow but the dog did not improve with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Unfortunately, he developed severe complications, including heart problems and widespread infection, and ultimately passed away from cardiac arrest. An ultrasound revealed a porcupine quill lodged in his elbow joint, confirming the cause of his condition.
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Abstract
A 7-year-old castrated male German Shepherd Dog was evaluated for lethargy, icterus, and sepsis. Porcupine quills had been removed from the dog's face 1 month prior to examination; progressive right forelimb lameness had developed soon after removal of the quills. Septic arthritis of the right elbow joint was diagnosed and was unresponsive to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatments. At the time of referral, the dog had developed endocarditis, septicemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Via ultrasonography, a foreign body consistent with a porcupine quill was detected in the medial portion of the right humeroradial joint. The dog did not respond to initial supportive treatment and died as a result of cardiac arrest. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of a quill in the medial compartment of the right elbow joint and severe acute endocarditis with septic emboli to the kidneys and spleen. Ultrasonographic examination should be considered as a diagnostic tool when septic arthritis secondary to a foreign body is suspected in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15124888/