title: [Septic arthritis of the pastern in cattle--clinical, radiological and sonographic findings and treatment].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Orthopädie bei Huf- und Klauentieren, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, F. Knezevic.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kofler
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D001175:Arthrography / Q000662:veterinary; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006724:Hoof and Claw; D007596:Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000382:microbiology; D014463:Ultrasonography