Current concepts of infectious polyarthritis in foals

Abstract

Summary Because the majority of foals afflicted with “joint ill” also have infectious (poly)osteomyelitis, previous definitions no longer suffice. In this article the different syndromes are described and classified and the pathogenesis, prognosis and treatment of the disease complex are discussed. Résumé Puisque la majorité des foals souffrant “d'arthrite” ont aussi des (poly) ostéomyélites, les définitions jusqu'a à présent retenues ne conviennent plus. Dans cet article, les différents syndromes sont décrits, classés, et la pathogénèse, le pronostic et le traitement du complexe morbide sont discutés. Zusammenfassung Weil die Mehrheit aller Fohlen mit “joint ill” (annähernd gleich “Fohlenlähme”) auch an infektiöser (Poly)Osteomyelitis leidet, lassen sich die früheren Definitionen nicht länger verwenden. In diesem Artikel werden die verschiedenen Syndrome beschrieben und klassiert. Die Pathogenese, die Prognose und die Behandlung des Krankheitskomplexes werden diskutiert.

Cervical Vertebral Osteomyelitis With Secondary Septic Arthritis of the Atlantoaxial Joint in a Foal: A Case Report

“…In young foals, functional transphyseal vessels allow communication of the metaphysis and epiphysis, such that bacteria localize preferentially in the synovial membrane and subchondral bone. Closure of transphyseal vessels occurs after approximately 7-10 days of age, such that, in older foals, infection is localized in the metaphysis [1]. It is thought that the septic arthritis of the AA joint occurred secondary to the osteomyelitis due to the temporal relationship between presentation and radiographic detection of the bony lesion.…”

“…Septic osteomyelitis is most often a result of hematogenous dissemination of bacteria with localization near the physeal growth plate in the metaphyseal or epiphyseal regions of bone [1]. Bacteria may gain access through the umbilicus or respiratory or gastrointestinal tract, resulting in a bacteremia.…”

Infraspinatus and intertubercular (bicipital) bursae sepsis

“…The authors make the valid point, that with no history of a penetrating wound, blunt trauma or intrasynovial medication, haematogenous spread would seem most likely despite occurring rarely in mature horses (Martens et al 1986;Schneider et al 1992). Haematogenous spread of infection to synovial structures more commonly affects foals (Firth 1983).…”

Prognostic factors in the sick neonatal foal

“…Septic arthritis and osteomyelitis are the second most common lesions detected on necroscopy of septicemic foals (Brewer 1990). The prognosis for survival in foals with septic joints has been reported to be poor to unfavourable (Firth 1990), with a survival rate at discharge ranging between 42 to 84%. Early diagnosis and treatment is positively related to increased survival rate (Steel et al 1999).…”