title: Immune-mediated polysynovitis in four foals.
abstract: The deposition of immune complexes in the synovial membrane resulted in polysynovitis in 4 foals. All 4 foals had an infection at a site other than the joints. The polysynovitis was characterized by marked effusions of affected joints and joint stiffness. Bacterial and mycoplasmal cultures of the joints did not yield growth. Staining of synovial membrane biopsy specimens with fluorescein-labeled anti-equine IgG revealed immune complexes in the synovial membrane. Immune-mediated polysynovitis might develop in foals with bacterial infections. We propose that deposition of immunoglobulin in the synovial membrane of the affected foals was caused by an increase in circulating immune complexes formed as a result of the primary disease processes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Madison
authors.forename: W K
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Scarratt
mesh_terms: D000193:Actinomycetales Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary*; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006736:Horses; D007105:Immune Complex Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000662:veterinary; D012240:Rhodococcus; D013585:Synovitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D011239:Prednisolone