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Septic Arthritis Research Paper

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Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis is a common cause of severe lameness in cattle. Most commonly the distal interphalangeal joint is involved, but septic arthritis of proximal joints (fetlock, carpus, tarsus, stifle etc.) have been reported on a much lower frequency. Bacteria can colonize the joint in 3 different ways: (1) through a wound directly invading the joint, (2) by close proximity of a primary infection site to the joint and migration the bacteria within the inflamed tissue into the joint, and (3) by hematogenous spread from bacteremia. In this manner, joints can become infected remotely from the primary source of infection. Adult cows tend to suffer more from the first 2 etiologies of septic arthritis and therefore a single joint is …show more content…

The volume infused depends on the severity of the infection as well as the size of the animal. For example, a 21 day old bullcalf with a severe stifle infection can be thoroughly lavaged with about 2 liters of fluid. The joint lavages typically have to be performed repeatedly because the infection is so severe. Up to 3 washes at 24-hour intervals may be required, but too many of these procedures (>3) can induce reactive synovitis which may in turn deter the healing process. Repeat lavaging not only allows you to treat the infection, but it also allows you to sample the joint fluid prior to the lavage and cytologically evaluate just how much your treatment protocol is working. A decreasing number of bacteria and inflammatory cells along with clinical findings such as improvement of weightbearing and decrease of joint swelling are used as parameters for monitoring the healing process. After the joint lavage, the needles are removed and the punctures sites are protected with a sterile bandage for 12 hours. If greater access to the joint is required due to an overwhelming presence of clotted fibrin and/or purulent effusion, arthrotomies can be performed to better aid in decompression and drainage of the inflamed joint, along with debridement of fibrin. …show more content…

Septic arthritis induces a high intensity nociceptive stimulus. In addition to the treatment options above, anti-inflammatory drugs are utilized for cases of septic arthritis. These NSAIDs (e.g. flunixin meglumine, ketoprofen, carprofen, meloxicam) are administered for 3 days, and are used for inhibition of the inflammatory mediators, for reduction of the inflammatory swelling, and to help make the animal feel better overall so hopefully they continue to eat. If pain is unaffected by administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a multimodal pain management plan should be attempted to allow the animal to be more comfortable, but also to allow the joint to be mobilized with the maximal range of

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