Septic arthritis of the shoulder and hip joint in cattle: diagnosis and therapy

During eight years, in 17 cattle a septic arthritis of the shoulder or hip joint was diagnosed at the Veterinary Surgery Department, University of Munich. The diagnosis was based on the results of the synoviocentesis and confirmed by ultrasound and radiographic examination. The average number of leucocytes in the synovia was 65,137/microliter (median 43.344/microliter), with 97% neutrophils (median 96%). Of the 17 animals, 13 were treated. In two patients arthrotomy, and in 11 repeated joint lavage was performed. As a lavage solution, 500 to 1000 ml of Ringer's solution, with 800 to 1600 mg Gentamicin added, was used. Four animals were not treated because of advanced radiographic changes (1), purulent arthritis and phlegmon (1) or economic reasons (2). Ten patients could be cured long-term (follow up time 10.5 months on average, median 6.5 months), three remained lame and were slaughtered. As a conclusion, septic arthritis of the shoulder or the hip joint in cattle has a good prognosis when diagnosed and treated early.