Case management: joint sepsis in a calf

Question 1

Define sepsis

Answer 1

life‐threatening dysregulated response to pathogens in the bloodstream

Question 2

Describe the typical aetiology of sepsis in farm animals

Answer 2

Failed primary transfer main risk factor
Illness/infection => Circulating bacteraemia => clinical signs of sepsis

Question 3

What are common causes of joint sepsis in farm animals?

Answer 3

Circulating bacteraemia secondary to infection elsewhere
Penetrating wound
Infection with pathogens that localise at joints and articular surfaces

Question 4

Define arthritis

Answer 4

inflammation of joints (synovial membrane and articular surfaces)

Question 5

Define septic arthritis

Answer 5

arthritis due to infection

Question 6

Define polyarthritis

Answer 6

arthritis in multiple joints

Question 7

Describe the common presentation of joint sepsis due to circulating bacteraemia in farm animals

Answer 7

most common in neonatals
Multiple joints
Co-morbidity may be evident

Question 8

Describe the common presentation of joint sepsis due to penetrating wounds in farm animals

Answer 8

Typically older e.g., >3 weeks
Single joint normally
Wound may be visible
Common in suckling piglets housed on rough surfaces (abrasions visible over joints)

Question 9

Describe the presentation of joint sepsis due to infection localised in the joints in farm animals

Answer 9

Older/growing animals
Often part of wider syndrome affecting other body systems

Question 10

Give examples of causes of circulating bacteraemia in calves causing joint sepsis in calves

Answer 10

Secondary to omphalophlebitis or meningitis (neonates < 3 weeks)
Secondary to enteritis or respiratory disease (calves > 3 weeks)

Question 11

Give examples of causes of circulating bacteraemia in calves causing joint sepsis in lambs

Answer 11

Secondary to omphalophlebitis or unhygienic tail docking or castration

Question 12

Give examples of causes of circulating bacteraemia in calves causing joint sepsis in piglets

Answer 12

Secondary to omphalophlebitis or unhygienic tail docking/teeth clipping

Question 13

Give examples of possible penetrating wounds causing joint sepsis in farm animals

Answer 13

Carpal sepsis following injury when attempting to jump a gate or get through wire fence

Question 14

Give examples of pathogens that are localised in the joints of calves causing joint sepsis

Answer 14

Mycoplasma bovis

Question 15

Give examples of pathogens that are localised in the joints of lambs causing joint sepsis

Answer 15

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Question 16

Give examples of pathogens that are localised in the joints of piglets causing joint sepsis

Answer 16

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
Streptococcus suis type 14

Question 17

what is ‘joint ill’

Answer 17

Colloquial term describing septic polyarthritis
Most common cause of joint sepsis in farm animals

Question 18

Describe the typical aetiology of joint ill in farm animals

Answer 18

Failure of passive transfer primary risk factor
Infection => circulating bacteraemia => bacteria localise on articular surfaces => polyarthritis

Question 19

Describe the treatment of joint ill in farm animals

Answer 19

Antibiotics
Analgesia
Supportive care

Question 20

What are the common causative organisms of joint ill in farm animals?

Answer 20

Question 21

give examples of appropriate antibiotics used to treat joint ill

Answer 21

Amoxycillin
Trimethoprim sulphonamide (TMP)
Oxytetracycline
Penicillin

Question 22

What analgesics are licensed for use in calves?

Answer 22

Carprofen
Flunixin
Ketoprofen
Meloxicam
Sodium salicylate (aspirin)

Question 23

What analgesics are licensed for use in piglets?

Answer 23

Flunixin
Ketoprofen
Meloxicam
Sodium salicylate (aspirin)

Question 24

What analgesics are licensed for use in lambs?

Answer 24

None
Meloxicam commonly used off licence (licensed in Australia)

Question 25

What ancillary treatment can be done to improve treatment success of joint ill?

Answer 25

Joint lavage