Atraumatic septic arthritis of the stifle joint in dogs: two case-reports

Two young dogs with atraumatic, septic arthritis in their left stifle joint were treated at the clinic for surgery and ophthalmology. Osteomyelitis in one dog and a pneumonitis in the other dog could be identified as a possib le remote focus. The diagnosis was based on clinical examination, synovial fluid analysis, radiology and haematology. In the Saluki a lower-grade infe ction with Pseudomonas aeruginosa could be identified, in the Dane beta-hem olytic Streptococcus was found. Treatment was performed by irrigation of th e joints two to three times with lactated ringer solution. Both dogs got an tibiotics for six to five weeks based on culture and sensitivity testing. I nitially exercise was strictly limited followed by passiv joint movement an d leash walk. Controls in both dogs showed evident improvement of clinical symptoms. After cessation of treatment the culture of synovial fluid gave a negative result and both dogs slowly regained their former fitness.