Description
The second most common cause of lameness is from the joint. Although not as common as claw diseases, the consequences of septic arthritis are dramatic if left untreated with potential irreversible joint function. It is a painful disease requiring a rapid medical decision. It can also be the first sign of a contagious disease like Mycoplasma bovis. The emphasis of this presentation will be on the diagnostic process and the clinical management of septic arthritis. We will review the common diagnostic procedures available including arthrocentesis and medical imaging. We will discuss the principles of medical therapy and surgical approaches of the commonly affected joints like the carpus, stifle, tarsus and stifle