Bovine Joint Disease Flashcards
What is septic arthritis in calves also known as?
Joint ill
What is the aetiology of septic arthritis in calves?
Tertiary spread of infection, umbilicus or generalised bacteraemia
Localisation in on or occasionally multiple joints
T.pyogenes, E.coli, Strep. spp, Staph spp. and salmonella
What are the clinical signs of joint ill?
Lameness followed by joint heat pain and swelling
How would you diagnose joint ill in calves?
Presenting signs
Arthrocentesis - large volumes of turbid clotted fluid containing large amounts of protein and many PMNs
Aseptic samples for culture
Differentiated from other joint pathologies
How would you treat joint ill?
Broad spectrum parenteral antibiotics
Long courses
Through and through/open joint lavage - best prognosis if performed in acute stage
Bandaging
What is the aetiology of hip dislocation in cows?
Usually seen in adult cows after traumatic abduction of hind legs
Soon after calving
Femoral head usually displaced craniodorsally
What are the clinical signs of hip dislocation in cows?
Acute onset lameness, usually non-weight bearing
Craniodorsal dislocation - the plevis and hips will often appear asymmetrical if viewed from behind
What is the diagnosis of hip dislocation?
Manipulation of leg - restriction of movement and crepitus
What is the treatment for hip dislocation in cattle?
Replaced by manipulation (if small/light weight) (heavily sedated)
Keep comfortable and house on a non slip surface
Euthanasia if non-reducible
What is the prognosis for hip dislocation?
Good providing cases are uncomplicated and replacement attempted early
Which pathogen usually causes arthritis in cows?
Mycoplasma bovis
Which pathogen can cause hind limb oedema in cows?
Mycoplasma wenyonii
How is mycoplasma bovis spread?
Cow to cow spread - close and repeated contact
What is the presentation and clinical signs of bovine joint disease caused by mycoplasma bovis?
Severe arthritis in calves and adult cattle
Severe lameness
+/- one or more swollen lower limb joints in which damage rapidly occurs
How may you diagnose a mycoplasma bovis infection?
Antibody tests
Culture
PCR (expensive)
