Joint Sepsis

Question 1

What is joint sepsis?

Answer 1

Infection of a joint
When bacteria is present in a joint
Even if infection isn’t settled - need to treat quickly

Question 2

Aetiopathology

Answer 2

Traumatic - most common
Iatrogenic - infrequent
* e.g. sepsis following joint surgery or injection
Haematogenous
* Bacteria travels through blood to vessels in synovial joints

Question 3

Iatrogenic joint sepsis

Answer 3

Rare
Clinical signs appear much later (10-14 days after procedure)
Swollen joint, very lame

Question 4

Haematogenous joint sepsis

Answer 4

Important in foals/calves
Prone to failure of passive immune transfer
Usually secondary to something else

Question 5

How to find cause of joint sepsis

Answer 5

Culture - which bacteria is involved
Sensitivity - which antibiotic is best to treat

Question 6

What does normal synovial fluid look like?

Answer 6

Yellow
Clear
Viscous

Question 7

How to differentiate between inflammation and sepsis

Answer 7

• Total leukocytes
• Neutrophils %
• Total proteins

All very high in sepsis

Question 8

Would you refer for sepsis?

Answer 8

Life threatening
Reason for referral
Earlier referral = better outcome

Question 9

Foals and sepsis

Answer 9

• In general foals born premature there will be development of secondary problems
  ○ Mainly infection in joint
  ○ Haematogenous - Can come from umbilicus - vein and arteries linked to umbilicus
  ○ Portal to joints