title: Idiopathic gonitis in heifers: 34 cases (1976-1986).
abstract: Acute suppurative arthritis of the stifle joint was diagnosed in 34 Holstein heifers between 1976 and 1986. Only 1 stifle joint was affected in each heifer; however, 1 heifer also had involvement of the contralateral radiocarpal joint. In each heifer, there was marked lameness and synovitis characterized by an effusion with high synovial fluid nucleated cell counts and total protein concentration. Seventy-four percent (25/34) of the heifers had radiographic evidence of an osteolytic lesion involving the lateral tibial plateau. Bacteriologic cultures of synovial fluid, synovial membrane, and bone yielded no growth. Eighteen of 23 (78%) affected heifers for which follow-up data was obtained became productive herd members after treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Madison
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Tulleners
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Ducharme
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Hull
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Rings
authors.forename: F H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Welker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006614:Hindlimb; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013264:Stifle; D013577:Syndrome / Q000662:veterinary; D013585:Synovitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*