Septic arthritis of the pastern in cattle--clinical, radiological and sonographic findings and treatment

Clinical, radiographic, sonographic, arthrocentesis and intraoperative findings in 19 cattle suffering from a septic arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal (p.i.p.) joint in 20 digits were evaluated retrospectively. In 6 cattle the p.i.p. joint was exclusively affected, in 13 animals a concurrent infection was ascertained in other 18 synovial cavities: digital flexor tendon sheath and the adjoining digital joints. As origin of the p.i.p. joint infection 11 cases showed perforating wounds, 6 cases a contiguous spread from adjacent purulent tissue affections and in 2 calves a haematogenous contamination was found. According to the progress of septic joint affection the increasing severity of the radiographic findings in this study were classified in 6 degrees. This systematic classification of the radiographic findings of septic arthritis in cattle is proposed as a basis for a comparable description and diagnosis of the radiographic signs. The sonographic imaging of the distended dorsal and plantar recesses of the p.i.p. joint in 3 cattle was proved to be a valuable adjunct to the other examination methods available. Five animals were slaughtered after diagnosis. An amputation through the distal third of the phalanx proximalis, respectively a modified disarticulation in the p.i.p. joint was performed in 14 patients. After an average hospitalization of 4.6 weeks the 13 healed patients were dismissed.