Retrospective evaluation of 103 cases of septic arthritis in dogs

Abstract

This study examines inciting causes, diagnosis, treatment and risk factors for the recurrence and outcome of septic arthritis (SA) in dogs. Study design: Medical records spanning 17 years from five referral hospitals were surveyed for presumptive and confirmed cases of SA. Results: SA was identified in 103 cases. Spontaneous septic SA was the most common inciting cause. The most commonly affected joints were the stifle (40%) and elbow (24%). Pre-existing osteoarthritis (OA) was present in 63% of septic joints and was associated with recurrence (p = 0.03). Treatment with antibiotics prior to presentation was associated with a negative synovial fluid culture (p = 0.014). A successful outcome was associated with early treatment (p = 0.001) and SA due to direct penetration (p = 0.04) or spontaneous cause (p = 0.003). Recurrence was more likely in dogs with unsuccessful outcomes (p = 0.004) and bodyweights >30 kg (p = 0.009). Clinical significance: SA should be considered as a differential diagnosis in large breed dogs with pre-existing OA presenting with either an acute or chronic monoarthropathy. In the majority of cases, a successful outcome was achieved regardless of treatment type. Recurrence rates were low, but associated with pre-existing OA and higher bodyweight. Although treatment should be implemented as soon as possible to maximise outcome success, synovial fluid samples should ideally be obtained before empiric antibiotic administration.

Retrospective analysis describes safety of therapeutic joint injections in dogs

“…[9][10][11][12][13] In dogs, septic arthritis has been described following direct penetration (eg, surgical, traumatic, or foreign body) or local spread from nearby diseased tissue or via hematogenous spread but has never specifically been related to IA therapy. [14][15][16][17][18] Clinically, some hesitation exists for the use of IA steroids in canine patients with a history of gastrointestinal (GI) disease or those with a recent history of NSAID use. Corticosteroid use has been associated with increased risks of gastritis in dogs, particularly when combined with NSAID therapy.…”