Successful treatment of two cases of metaphyseal osteomyelitis in the dog

Abstract

This paper describes two cases of metaphyseal osteomyelitis in young dogs. The condition was characterised by generalised stiffness, muscle atrophy and reluctance to stand. Pain was evident on deep palpation of the distal extremities of long bones. Radiographic lesions, consisting of diffuse areas of bone lysis and pronounced periosteal reaction, were demonstrated in the metaphyseal regions of multiple long bones, particularly the distal radii and ulnae. Growth plates appeared unaffected and remained open. Biochemical abnormalities included significant increases in the plasma concentrations of fibrinogen and alkaline phosphatase. A pronounced neutrophilia and absolute monocytosis were noted in one dog. A six week course of amoxycil‐lin/clavulanic acid in combination with metronidazole resulted in complete resolution of clinical and radiographic signs in each case. Growth disturbances were not observed.

Haematogenous osteomyelitis: clinical presentation and outcome in three dogs

“…The presence of vascular loops between metaphyseal capillaries and venules was thought to produce a sluggish blood flow, facilitating bacteria deposition (18). This hypothesis is often used to explain predilection sites in humans and in animals although such connecting loops may not exist in animals (1,6,7,16,(19)(20). The endothelium of the capillaries invading the hypertrophic chondrocytic region of physes was found to be discontinuous and lacking any protective basal membrane, which may enhance extravasation of red blood cells and bacteria (21)(22)(23)(24)(25).…”

“…In human neonates, metaphyseal infection is often associated with omphalophlebitis and the infection can spread to the epiphysis via transphyseal vessels, disturbing blood flow in the physis. However, these transphyseal vessels might not exist in the dog and cat because physeal and epiphyseal involvement is unusual in these species (6). After physeal closure, vascular anastomoses form between the epiphysis and the metaphysis allowing progression of infection.…”

“…Haematogenous osteomyelitis is a rare form of bone infection in the dog, accounting for 2.8 to 10 percent of all cases (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). Although the modes of development and location of haematogenous osteomyelitis lesions are variable, the metaphyses of long bones in growing dogs seem to be affected preferentially (1,3,6). The appearance of haematogenous osteomyelitis in adult dogs seems to be a rare event; to the best of the authors knowledge, only one other case of haematogenous osteomyelitis-associated fracture has been described in an adult dog (7).…”

Metaphyseal osteopathy-like disease in two sibling kittens

“…Escherichia coli was cultured from blood in a dog with metaphyseal osteopathy (5). Two cases of multiple metaphyseal osteomyelitis associated with bacterial infection were reported although the specific diagnosis was not confirmed bacteriologically (28). In humans there are cases of Barto nella henselae associated osteomyelitis after cat scratch.…”

Osteomyelitis caused by β‐haemolytic Listeria species in a dog

“…Haematogenous osteomyelitis generally occurs in young10 or immunosuppressed animals and accounts for 2.8 per cent to 10 per cent of all cases. There are very few reports in adult dogs 5 9.…”