Targeted transcriptomic analysis of synovial tissues from horses with septic arthritis treated with immune-activated mesenchymal stromal cells reveals induction of T-cell response pathways.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate mechanistically the reported beneficial effects of immune-activated mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy to treat equine septic arthritis, leveraging Nanostring technology. ANIMALS: 8 Quarter Horses with induced tibiotarsal Staphylococcus aureus septic arthritis treated IA with either Toll-like receptor-3 agonist polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid-activated MSCs + vancomycin antimicrobials (TLR-MSC-VAN; n = 4) or antimicrobials (VAN; 4). METHODS: Synovial tissues were collected and fixed in neutral-buffered 10% formalin, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded synovial and osteochondral tissues were sequenced using a custom-designed 200-gene equine Nanostring nCounter immune panel to directly quantify expression of key immune and cartilage-related genes. Immunohistochemistry to detect CD3+ T cells was performed on synovial tissues to further quantify T-cell infiltration in TLR-MSC-VAN- versus VAN-treated joints. RESULTS: Comparison of synovial transcriptomes between groups revealed moderate changes in differential gene expression, with upregulated expression of 9 genes and downregulated expression of 17 genes with fold change ≥ 2 or ≤ -2 and a significant false discovery rate-adjusted P value of ≤ .05. The most upregulated genes in TLR-MSC-VAN-treated horses included those related to T-lymphocyte recruitment and function, while pathways related to innate immune activation and inflammation were significantly downregulated. Immunohistochemistry and quantitation of CD3+ T-cell infiltrates revealed a numerically greater infiltrate in synovial tissues of TLR-MSC-VAN-treated horses, which did not reach statistical significance in this small sample set (P = .20). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Targeted transcriptomic analyses using an equine Nanostring immune and cartilage health panel provided new mechanistic insights into how innate and adaptive immune cells within synovial tissues respond to TLR-activated MSC treatment when used to treat septic arthritis.

Procalcitonin and carbonylated protein concentrations in equine synovial fluid.

Early diagnosis of joint diseases is fundamental for prompt and appropriate management, particularly in septic arthritis. Procalcitonin (PCT) and protein carbonylated content (PCC) have been investigated in both human and veterinary medicine. An increase in PCT has been shown in infectious bacterial diseases, while higher levels of PCC have been shown in inflammatory pathologies characterized by oxidative damage. This study evaluated PCT and PCC in plasma and synovial fluid (SF), in healthy and pathological equine joints, affected by different types of arthropathy. Twenty-nine joints were evaluated and underwent orthopedic, radiographic, ultrasonographic and SF evaluation. The joints were divided in three groups: healthy, septic, and non-septic arthritis. PCT and PCC were measured in horse plasma and SF. Data distribution was evaluated and results were expressed as median, quartile values. Statistical differences in SF values among groups and correlations were assessed between plasma and SF of both PCT and PCC. The groups of joint disease included: 8/29 healthy, 13/29 non-septic and 8/29 septic. Significant differences were obtained for SF PCC and plasma PCT between healthy and septic joints, while no differences were found for plasma PCC and SF PCT. A positive correlation was found between plasma and SF PCT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting PCT in equine SF. SF PCC could be a useful biomarker to differentiate between septic and healthy joints.

Synovial Fluid Analysis and Microscopic Assessment of Macrophage Quantities and Morphology in Equine Septic Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Research and provision of data on macrophages by cytological synovial fluid analysis and light microscopy in horses with septic arthritis MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of 167 synovial fluid samples were evaluated and subdivided into different groups: (1) non-septic, (2) haematogenous septic arthritis in foals and (3) traumatic/iatrogenic septic arthritis. The effect of joint lavage on synovial fluid cytology and on the occurrence of macrophage phenotypes was investigated. RESULTS: Regardless of aetiology and age of the horse, macrophage concentrations in synovial sepsis are decreased to a median of 5-6 % (unaffected joints: 23.5 %) and further diminished by joint lavage. Microscopic assessment led to the identification of 4 phenotypes. Morphological characteristics of type 1 showed similarities to monocytes and predominated in unaffected and in septic joints after lavage. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Macrophages are highly versatile by altering their phenotype. A morphological assessment by light microscopy is easily applicable. Type 1 presumably contributes to joint homeostasis.

Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis Caused by Chryseobacterium indologenes in a Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) and a Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis).

A 20-year-old female mute swan (Cygnus olor) originally in a flock of free-living swans on a Long Island, New York, lake, was presented for facial swelling and decreased appetite. An adult male ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) was also presented to the same wildlife rescue center for bilateral lameness of 1-week duration. Once referred for veterinary evaluation and care, both species were diagnosed with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis caused by Chryseobacterium indologenes and treated with orbifloxacin until complete recovery. Chryseobacterium indologenes is infrequently diagnosed as an opportunistic pathogen in human medicine, and less so in veterinary medicine. In human patients, this bacterium is the cause of various infections, including meningitis, pneumonia, and implant failure. However, in veterinary medicine its pathogenicity has only been reported in fish, and sporadically mentioned as a culture result in tree frogs and turtles, where it was generally considered insignificant. In this report a clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis caused by C indologenes is described in 1 anseriforme and in 1 charadriiforme species.

Long-term radiographic and histological follow-up after resection of the distal interphalangeal joint using a plantar approach in German Holstein cows.

Resection of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) is a claw-preserving method for treatment of septic arthritis. This study presents the radiographic and histological findings of the surgically-treated area after resection of the DIJ using a plantar approach in seven German Holstein cows. Histological postmortem evaluation 439 to 710 days after surgery showed that there was extensive proliferation of connective tissue rich in collagen fibres in the space left after resection in three cows; this was classified as fibrous ankylosis. In the remaining four cows, histological evaluation 1010 to 1756 days after surgery showed extensive new bone formation in the joint cavity consistent with osseous ankylosis. Radiographs of the resected DIJ region obtained at the time of histological examination revealed no osseous ankylosis in two cows, partial ankylosis in one cow and complete osseous ankylosis in four cows. Formation of complete osseous ankylosis after resection of the DIJ did take longer than 1-2 years in three of our specimens indicating a longer time span compared to earlier studies.

Erisipela suína: relato de caso no município de Cachoeiras de Macacu-RJ / Swine erysipelas: case report in the city of Cachoeiras de Macacu-RJ

Na suinocultura perdas econômicas ainda são elevadas devido aos baixos padrões de qualidade e sanidade dos animais. Dentre as afecções que afetam a produção, a erisipela é uma doença considerada importante em função dos prejuízos econômicos que causa, e pela questão de saúde pública visto ser uma zoonose. Ela é uma enfermidade do tipo hemorrágica comumente causada pela bactéria ubíqua Erysipelotrix rhusiopathiae. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar um caso desta afecção em uma matriz da raça Large White, de dois anos de idade, recém desmamada, não vacinada, de uma pequena granja de ciclo completo no munícipio de Cachoeiras de Macacu, estado do Rio de Janeiro. Ela amanheceu prostrada, com dificuldade de locomoção, sem febre e com manchas avermelhadas sobre toda a superfície corporal. As lesões cutâneas, ligeiramente elevadas, apresentavam um formato losangular (diamante) característico e sugestivo de Erisipela. Após a identificação do problema, o animal foi isolado e tratado. O tratamento iniciou-se na manhã do mesmo dia, observando-se a regressão da maioria das lesões à tarde e na manhã seguinte. A suspeita clínica foi confirmada através do diagnóstico terapêutico, sendo a associação de penicilina e estreptomicina eficiente no tratamento.

In swine industry, economic losses are still high due to low standards of quality and health of animals. Among the diseases that affect production, erysipelas is a disease considered important due to the economic losses it causes, and because of the public health issue as it is a zoonosis. It is a hemorrhagic type disease commonly caused by the ubiquitous bacteria Erysipelotrix rhusiopathiae. The aim of this study was to report a case of this condition in a Large White breed sow, two years old, recently weaned, not vaccinated, from a small pig farm (farrow to finish operation) in the municipality of Cachoeiras de Macacu, state of Rio de Janeiro. The sow was prostrate and with limited mobility, without fever and with reddish spots on the entire body surface. The cutaneous lesions were elevated, with a characteristic diamond shape suggestive of erysipelas. After identifying the problem, the animal was isolated and treated. The treatment started in the morning of the same day, observing the regression of most lesions in the afternoon and the following morning. The clinical diagnosis was confirmed through therapeutic diagnosis, and the association of penicillin and streptomycin was efficient in the treatment.

RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF REFRACTIVE OSTEOMYELITIS AND INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS IN THE FLIPPERS OF SEALS IN THE NETHERLANDS.

Amputation surgery in pinniped rehabilitation centers is a feasible procedure when animals are presented with open fractures, osteomyelitis, and/or infectious arthritis of the flippers that appear to be refractory to medical treatment. From 2011 to 2017, the Sealcentre Pieterburen in The Netherlands admitted 3,775 seals for rehabilitation. Of these, 37 individuals presented clinical and radiologic signs of bone abnormalities indicative of osteomyelitis or infectious arthritis refractory to medical treatment. Seven cases resulted in euthanasia, and 30 cases underwent amputation surgery. The surgical procedure involved amputation of part of a flipper (24; two animals twice) or of a complete flipper (eight). All procedures were done under general anesthesia except one that was performed with local anesthesia, and all 30 animals were released. In two cases, the osteomyelitis presented with the rare Totenlade phenomenon, a sequestrum surrounded by new periosteal bone formation. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of the operative treatment of osteomyelitis and infectious arthritis in the flippers of harbor (Phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) during this 6-yr period.

Multicentric Septic Osteomyelitis and Arthritis Caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus).

An adult female gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) was presented with a right-wing droop and weight loss. Radiographic images revealed osteolysis and osseous proliferation of the right shoulder and the mobile vertebra between the notarium and synsacrum. The tentative diagnosis was vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to septic arthritis. The bird did not respond to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy and represented 10 days later, with feathers soiled with feces, an impacted, dilated cloaca, and an inability to stand due to spastic paralysis of the hind legs. The bird's condition did not improve with 24 hours of supportive care and its quality of life was considered poor; therefore, the patient was euthanatized and submitted for postmortem examination. Multicentric septic osteomyelitis and arthritis were confirmed in the mobile vertebra between the notarium and synsacrum and the right shoulder. Despite 10 days of antibiotic therapy, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from within the 2 locations in which septic osteomyelitis and arthritis were identified. This report describes the clinical features, diagnosis, and pathologic findings of septic osteomyelitis and arthritis caused by S aureus in a falcon.

Retrospective study of radiographic changes in athletic bulls with orthopedic disorders / Estudo retrospectivo das alterações radiográficas de touros atletas com doenças ortopédicas

The objectives of this study were to demonstrate the lesions that affect athlete bulls and to correlate the disorders with weight, age, affected limb and region of the limb. The present study was accomplished using radiographic images of athletic rodeo bulls collected from the medical and surgical records of the large animal service at the veterinary hospital. Radiographic images were evaluated for 136 bulls that were taken care of at the Veterinary Hospital, ranging in age from 4 to 13 years, with an average weight of 800kg and proven prior physical activity through participation in rodeos. The chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used to assess the association between the studied variables. It was observed that 71.6% of the bulls studied and suffering from lameness had radiographic lesions, predominantly in experienced animals. Enthesopathy in starter and experienced bulls, septic arthritis in starter bulls, and fractures and degenerative joint disease in experienced bulls were the most frequent radiographic lesions diagnosed. The region of limb where the majority of radiographic changes occurred was the digits. Risk factors and occurrence of diseases of the locomotor system in athletic bulls are similar to those in sport equines.(AU)

O objetivo desse trabalho foi demostrar quais lesões acometem touros atletas, correlacionando as desordens com peso, idade, membro e região afetada. O presente estudo foi realizado utilizando radiografias de touros atletas de rodeio, após levantamento dos prontuários clínicos e cirúrgicos do serviço de grandes animais de um hospital veterinário. Foram avaliadas radiografias de 136 touros que haviam sido atendidos em tal hospital, com idade variando de quatro a 13 anos, com média de peso de 800kg e realizavam participação em rodeios. Para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis estudadas foi utilizado o teste exato de Fischer e o Qui-quadrado. Observou-se que 71,6% dos touros estudados que claudicavam, apresentavam lesões radiográficas, predominantemente em animais mais experientes. A entesiopatia em todos os animais, artrite séptica nos touros iniciantes, fraturas e doença articular degenerativa nos touros mais experientes, foram as alterações radiográficas mais frequentes. As regiões com maior ocorrência de lesões radiográficas foram os dígitos. Os fatores de risco para ocorrência de doenças no sistema locomotor de touros atletas são diversos, similares aos que ocorrem nos equinos atletas.(AU)

Cytologic identification of fungal arthritis in a Labrador Retriever with disseminated Talaromyces helicus infection.

An 8-year-old, neutered male Labrador Retriever presented with acute forelimb lameness. Clinical signs progressed over one week. On physical examination, right cubital joint effusion and bilateral axillary lymphadenomegaly were noted, and severe internal lymphadenomegaly was observed ultrasonographically. Granulomatous lymphadenitis with intralesional fungi was noted cytologically, and the dog was ultimately diagnosed with disseminated Talaromyces helicus infection via PCR of a pure isolate. Extensive medical therapy was pursued, and months later, an arthrocentesis was performed due to continued lameness and severe cubital joint effusion. The synovial fluid contained increased numbers of neutrophils, macrophages, and multinucleated giant cells. Frequent fungal hyphae were found both intracellularly and extracellularly. These basophilic organisms were 2-4 µm in width with internal eosinophilic granules, roughly parallel walls, and occasional to frequent septa. Round to oval yeast-like forms with thin, clear halos were also occasionally identified. Due to the severity of clinical signs, the right thoracic limb was amputated. Histologic examination of the cubital joint revealed marked granulomatous synovitis, fasciitis, panniculitis, and osteomyelitis, all with intralesional fungi. Talaromyces helicus is a very rare cause of disease, reported only in one other dog. Granulomatous lymphadenitis appears to be a feature of this disease, but this report is the first to describe a significant synovial component.

Arthroscopic approach and intra-articular anatomy of the equine atlanto-occipital joint.

OBJECTIVE: To develop arthroscopic approaches to the atlanto-occipital (A-O) and describe associated arthroscopic anatomy. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental ex vivo study and clinical case report. ANIMALS: Ten equine cadaver joints and 1 clinical case. METHODS: CT arthrograms of 8 A-O joints were performed to determine the placement of an arthroscopic portal. Arthroscopy was performed via dorsal and/or ventral approaches (dorsal or ventral to the longissimus capitis tendon) in 10 cadaveric A-O joints and the A-O joint of a 2-week-old foal with septic arthritis. Accessible cartilage was debrided in 3 cadaver joints. Accessibility and risks were assessed by review of arthroscopic images, postoperative necropsy, and computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Dorsal and ventral outpouchings of the A-O joint were identified with CT. Arthroscopy of the dorsal pouch provided access to 50% of the dorsocranial occipital condyle and 15% of the dorsocranial atlas articular surfaces. Joint distension caused displacement of the dura. Dura perforation occurred with a blind dorsal approach in 2 of 5 joints. Dura perforation did not occur after ultrasonography-guided approaches. Arthroscopic debridement of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis was successful in 1 clinical case. CONCLUSION: Approaches to the A-O joint were determined from CT examinations. The cranial aspect of the dorsal pouch of the A-O joint was accessed via arthroscopic triangulation in all horses of this study. Ultrasound-guided joint access prevented perforation of vital structures, including the spinal canal. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Advanced imaging improves the diagnosis of A-O joint pathology. Descriptions of arthroscopic anatomy and accessibility provide important information for surgical intervention.

Modified abaxial approach for resection of the distal sesamoid bone and distal interphalangeal joint while preserving the digital flexor tendons of three Angus bulls with septic arthritis.

CASE DESCRIPTION 3 Angus bulls, aged 2 to 3 years, with severe lameness of 2 to 4 weeks' duration and swelling proximal to the coronary band of the affected limb were evaluated after failing to respond to antimicrobial treatment. CLINICAL FINDINGS Septic arthritis of a distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) was diagnosed in all 3 bulls on the basis of results of a physical examination, radiographic and ultrasonographic evaluations of the affected foot, and cytologic evaluation of synovial fluid from the affected DIPJ. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME A novel modified abaxial approach was used to resect the infected distal sesamoid bone (navicular bone) and DIPJ of all 3 bulls. A window was created in the abaxial hoof wall that was lateral to and of sufficient size to extract the navicular bone. Following removal of the navicular bone, the DIPJ was debrided and resected and an orthopedic block was applied to the contralateral claw to minimize weight bearing on the infected digit. Two bulls also had a fiberglass cast applied to the affected limb to help immobilize the DIPJ. All 3 bulls recovered without complications, and 2 bulls were no longer lame, whereas the remaining bull was only mildly lame, at 4 to 5 weeks after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The modified abaxial approach described for surgical resection of the DIPJ allowed extraction of the infected navicular bone without damage to the digital flexor tendons, something that cannot be achieved with other abaxial approaches. This approach is best used for patients without septic tenosynovitis.

Incidence and risk factors of surgical site infection and septic arthritis after elective arthroscopy in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of infection and associated risk factors, after elective arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case study. ANIMALS: Horses (n=1079) undergoing elective arthroscopy. METHODS: Medical records of all horses that underwent elective arthroscopy between 2006 and 2013 were reviewed. Age, gender, breed, surgeon, number of joints operated, total anesthetic time, perioperative antimicrobial administration, and the presence and size of osteochondral fragments/subchondral lesions were recorded. For each operated joint, the development of postoperative infection (surgical site infection [SSI] and/or septic arthritis) and long-term outcome (>6 months) were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test for association between the independent variables and the dependent outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1741 joints in 1079 horses underwent arthroscopy. SSI without septic arthritis occurred in 1 fetlock joint (0.14%), 1 tibiotarsal joint (0.19%), and 6 femoropatellar joints (1.67%). Thirteen joints (0.75%) were diagnosed with septic arthritis, including 1 fetlock joint (0.14%), 4 tibiotarsal joints (0.74%), and 8 femoropatellar joints (2.23%). The probability of postoperative SSI was higher when large lesions (>40 mm long) were treated, compared to medium (20-40 mm, P = .005) and small (<20 mm, P < .001) lesions. SSI was a significant risk factor for the development of septic arthritis (P < .001). Although age did not affect the incidence of SSI, increasing age was associated with a lower rate of septic arthritis rate (P = .028). CONCLUSION: Septic arthritis after elective arthroscopy was more likely in the presence of SSI and younger age. Horses with large lesions were at risk for SSI, which translated into a higher incidence of postoperative septic arthritis after femoropatellar arthroscopy.

Surgical management and long-term outcome of umbilical infection in 65 foals (2010-2015).

OBJECTIVE: To report the short- and long-term outcomes of surgical management of umbilical infection in foals. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Foals (n = 65). METHODS: Medical records (2010-2015) of foals up to 1 month of age, surgically treated for an umbilical infection were reviewed. Short-term (at the time of discharge from hospital) and long-term (1 year after surgery) survival rates were obtained. Clinical variables influencing survival were assessed. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate the relationship between the data retrieved and outcome. P ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Sixty-five foals were included in the study, representing 17.2% of all foals admitted to the hospital. Fifty foals were discharged from hospital (77%) and 43 foals (66%) were alive 1 year after surgery. Lower long-term survival rates were associated with: younger age at presentation, septic joints, multiple pathologies, higher creatinine level, higher heart rate, umbilical infection diagnosed at the hospital rather than prior to referral, prolonged hospitalization, longer period between arrival and surgery, and postoperative complications. The most common surgical findings were urachal enlargement followed by right arterial enlargement. CONCLUSION: Younger foals with worse systemic condition and concurrent disorders are at higher risk for treatment failure. Early diagnosis improves the outcome. Surgical treatment yields good results and should be considered upon diagnosis, after taking into account the clinical situation. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Based on the results of this study, diagnosis and surgical management of umbilical infection in neonatal foals should be performed as early as possible, and a good outcome can be expected after surgery.

Effect of arthroscopic lavage and repeated intra-articular administrations of antibiotic in adult horses and foals with septic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of arthroscopic lavage and repeated intra-articular administration of antibiotic in adult horses and foals with septic arthritis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Adult horses and foals with septic arthritis (n = 62). METHODS: Age, sex, cause of septic synovitis, joint involved, hospitalization time, and outcome were recorded. Arthroscopic lavage was performed at day 0 (D 0). Synovial fluid was collected every 48 hours prior to intra-articular administration of antibiotic, and until hospital discharge. Synovial nucleated cell count, total protein, and percentage of neutrophils were compared across time and between subjects with a favorable or unfavorable outcome. RESULTS: Synovial nucleated cell counts decreased progressively and were lower at all times compared to D 0. Percentages of neutrophils were lower than baseline at D 8 and 10, only. Total protein contents decreased progressively and were lower than baseline at D 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 14. When adult horses and foals with a favorable outcome were compared to those with an unfavorable outcome, the nucleated cell count was lower at D 10, 12, and 14 and the percentage of neutrophils was lower at D 4 only, but total protein content did not differ between groups at any time. CONCLUSION: Synovial nucleated cell counts and total protein concentrations decreased after arthroscopic lavage and repeated intra-articular administration of antibiotic in horses and foals with septic arthritis. Synovial nucleated cell count is limited as a monitoring tool during treatment of septic arthritis.

Phenotypic, genotypic and antigenic characterization of emerging avian reoviruses isolated from clinical cases of arthritis in broilers in Saskatchewan, Canada.

In recent years, emerging strains of pathogenic arthrogenic avian reovirus (ARV) have become a challenge to the chicken industry across USA and Canada causing significant economic impact. In this study, we characterized emerging variant ARV strains and examined their genetic and antigenic relationship with reference strains. We isolated 37 emerging variant ARV strains from tendons of broiler chickens with clinical cases of arthritis/tenosynovitis at commercial farms in Saskatchewan, Canada. Viral characterization using immunocytochemistry, gold-immunolabeling and electron microscopy revealed distinct features characteristic of ARV. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analyses of the viral Sigma C gene revealed genetic heterogeneity between the field isolates. On phylogenetic analyses, the Sigma C amino acid sequences of the isolates were clustered into four distinct genotypic groups. These ARV field strains were genetically diverse and quite distant from the vaccine and vaccine related field strains. Antibodies produced against a commercial Reo 2177 ® vaccine did not neutralize these variants. Moreover, structure based analysis of the Sigma C protein revealed significant antigenic variability between the cluster groups and the vaccine strains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the genetic, phenotypic and antigenic characterization of emerging ARVs in Canada.

Major complications of tibial tuberosity advancement in 1613 dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To report major postoperative complications in 1613 dogs with tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SAMPLE POPULATION: Dogs (n = 1613) with cranial cruciate ligament deficiency treated with TTA. METHODS: Medical records of TTAs performed between December 2007-2013 were reviewed for age, sex, weight, contralateral stifle surgery, surgical approach, duration of preoperative lameness, presence of meniscal damage, concurrent patellar luxation and simultaneous bilateral TTA. Major postoperative complications were defined as surgical site infection (SSI) (superficial, deep, or organ/space), implant failure, fracture, patellar luxation, and meniscal tear. RESULTS: Major complications were recorded in 13.4% of cases. Superficial SSI (incisional irritation) was diagnosed in 6.9% cases, requiring only antimicrobial therapy. Other complications included postliminary medial meniscal tear (2% incidence), deep SSI (incisional dehiscence, 1.1%), implant failure (1%), patellar luxation (1.2%), fracture (0.9%), and organ/space SSI (septic arthritis, 0.4%). Dogs with normal menisci were less likely to develop postliminary meniscal tears if the medial meniscus was released at the time of TTA (P < .0001). No association was detected between recorded parameters and complications, although dogs >8 years old approached significance (P = .05) in terms of predisposition to major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Major complications after TTA are uncommon, even in dogs with concurrent patellar luxation or bilateral simultaneous procedures. In spite of its morbidity, medial meniscal release may prevent postliminary meniscal tears.

Treatment of septic arthritis of the coxofemoral joint in 12 foals.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical signs, surgical treatment, and outcome of septic arthritis of the coxofemoral joint in foals. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Foals (n = 12) with confirmed sepsis of the coxofemoral joint. METHODS: Lameness was localized to the coxofemoral joint based on physical examination. Sepsis was confirmed by cytological analysis of synovial fluid obtained under ultrasonographic guidance, during general anesthesia or standing sedation. Intra-articular analgesia was used as an adjunct diagnostic modality in 2 foals. Surgical lavage of the affected joint was performed via arthroscopy or needle lavage, with repeated lavage performed in 7 foals. RESULTS: Synovial fluid contained 4.4 to 173 × 109 /L white blood cells (WBCs), and 38-63 g/L total protein. Cultures were positive in 10/12 foals. Isolated organisms included Salmonella spp., Streptococcus spp., Rhodococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Staphylococcus spp., Acinetobacter spp., Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp. Ten foals were discharged from hospital (83%). One of these was euthanized 15 days later due to chronic intestinal salmonellosis and renal failure, and 9 foals survived with no residual lameness detected 1 year after discharge from hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis of the coxofermoral joint can be effectively treated with a combination of arthroscopic lavage and the use of systemic and local antimicrobials.

Mycobacterial Arthritis and Synovitis in Painted Reed Frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus).

Several species of atypical mycobacteria have been isolated from wild and captive amphibians. In captive anurans, cutaneous and visceral mycobacteriosis are common and can result in significant mortality, particularly when animals are immunocompromised. Mycobacterial arthritis and synovitis are reported rarely in amphibians. We describe 20 cases in painted reed frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus), which presented with cachexia, limb paresis or paralysis or 'spindly leg syndrome'. Histopathology revealed multifocal histiocytic to granulomatous synovitis affecting appendicular, rib or spinal intervertebral joints. Periarticular granulomata, granulomatous cellulitis and skeletal muscle atrophy, necrosis and degeneration were also present. In one case, granulomatous spinal osteomyelitis was recorded. Ziehl-Neelsen stains showed large numbers of acid-fast bacteria in macrophages and histiocytes. The mycobacterial isolates obtained from culture were identified as members of the Mycobacterium chelonae complex (either M. chelonae or Mycobacterium abscessus). This was confirmed by 5'-16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing. In 17 cases mycobacterial lesions were present only in the joints and skeleton, highlighting the importance of not ruling out mycobacterial infection on the basis of absence of cutaneous or visceral lesions.