Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Infected Joint, Septic Arthritis (in Adult)
Summary
A septic joint is an one that harbors a life-threatening bacterial infection. Bacteria reach these the joint through traumatic injury (wounds) or can be introduced during joint injection. This is in contrast to the condition in foals, in which bacteria gain access to the joint through the blood stream.
In adult horses, a septic joint usually results from a wound that has penetrated into the joint. Bacteria are introduced into the joint and proliferate. A massive inflammatory process follows. Infection fighting white blood cells rush to the area and begin trying to destroy the bacteria. The products they produce in doing so cause intense inflammation and pain and in themselves damage the joint cartilage.
Horses with a septic joint are severely lame, and usually have a hot and swollen joint. Rapid diagnosis and aggressive treatment is critical to a good outcome.
The most important part of treatment is prompt, aggressive flushing of the joint.
In adult horses, a septic joint usually results from a wound that has penetrated into the joint. Bacteria are introduced into the joint and proliferate. A massive inflammatory process follows. Infection fighting white blood cells rush to the area and begin trying to destroy the bacteria. The products they produce in doing so cause intense inflammation and pain and in themselves damage the joint cartilage.
Horses with a septic joint are severely lame, and usually have a hot and swollen joint. Rapid diagnosis and aggressive treatment is critical to a good outcome.
The most important part of treatment is prompt, aggressive flushing of the joint.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Prognosis for a horse with a septic joint is always guarded, meaning that the result could go either way. The longer the time between infection and appropriate treatment, the more joint damage takes place, and the more likely that chronic arthritis (and permanent lameness) will develop.With time, the infection progressively becomes harder to treat. Bacteria get a stronger and stronger foothold as more of the joint tissues become riddled with infection. Once infection invades underlying bone. and cartilage and underlying bone is damaged, leading to chronic arthritis.
my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
-
Wound at or near Hock
-
Wound to Limb near Joint or Tendon Sheath
-
Lameness, Severe, Cannot Support Weight on Limb
-
Wound to Lower Limb or Leg, Generally
-
Penetrating Nail or other Object in Sole, Hoof or Frog
-
Limb or Joint Seems to have Reduced Range of Motion
-
Resists Raising, Lifting, or Bending a Limb
-
Healing Leg Wound, Sudden Increase in Swelling, Drainage or Lameness
Less Common
-
Accident, Horse Tangled in Wire
-
Reluctant to Move, Walk. Not Under Saddle
-
Puncture Wound, Anywhere on Body
-
Swelling of Multiple Joints
-
Wound to Hoof Wall, Piece is Pulled or Torn Off
-
Proud Flesh, Healing Wound Developed Raised Red Tissue
-
Drainage from Site on Upper Limb or Leg
-
Accident, Horse Fell through Trailer Floor
Rare
-
Swollen Fetlock (Ankle)
-
Drainage from Wound, Generally
-
Cactus Spines or Multiple Thorns Stuck in Skin
-
Swelling around Shoulder & Elbow
-
Swollen Hock, Generally
-
Wound is Very Slow Healing or Not Healing
-
Abrasion or Scrape on Lower Limb or Leg
-
Splinter, Wood, Metal, Etc. Stuck in Skin
-
Cactus Spines or Multiple Thorns Stuck in Skin
-
Porcupine Quills in Skin
-
Wound to Armpit or Groin
-
Hard Bump on Inside of Lower Hock
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What are the treatment options for this severe problem?
- What is the success rate for each option?
Prevention
Good basic husbandry reduces the likelihood of wounds. Prompt diagnosis and treatment gives horses with septic joint the best chance possible.
Related References:
Steel CM, Pannirselvam RR, Anderson GA. Risk of septic arthritis after intra-articular medication: a study of 16,624 injections in Thoroughbred racehorses. Aust Vet J 2013;91(7):268-73.