title: Mycoplasma-associated polyarthritis in a reticulated giraffe.
abstract: A case of Mycoplasma-associated polyarthritis was diagnosed in a captive reticulated giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata). Recurrent episodes of lameness with temporary response to antimicrobial therapy characterized the disease. After the fifth episode, the giraffe was immobilized for arthrocentesis of the right front fetlock joint. Although the culture was negative, Mycoplasma sp. nucleic acid was detected in synovial fluid using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twelve weeks after completion of enrofloxacin therapy evidence of Mycoplasma sp. was not detectable in the synovial fluid; no relapses occurred after 22 mo. This is the first report of Mycoplasma-associated polyarthritis in a giraffe.
authors.affiliation: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, 2155 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, Texas 76043, USA. bhammond@auduboninstitute.org
authors.forename: Elizabeth E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Hammond
authors.forename: Craig A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Loyd
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sneed
authors.forename: Robin W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Radcliffe
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D001188:Artiodactyla / Q000382:microbiology*; D000077422:Enrofloxacin; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D009174:Mycoplasma / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D015363:Quinolones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D015363:Quinolones; D000077422:Enrofloxacin