Group 11

SA Y PW

Signs:  localized inflammation including heat, pain, swelling.  Probably see external 
entrance wound. Probable abscess formation in connective tissue with purulent exudate.  
Acute lameness.  Possible systemic clinical signs including: fever, anorexia, depression.  

Specialty exam findings:  CBC showing neutrophilia with possible degenerative left 
shift
Radiographs:  Early films show nonspecific soft tissue changes.  Films taken at 10-14 
days show bone destruction and formation depending on the aggressiveness of organism.
Joint Tap with culture and sensitivity to determine organism

Management Plan:  Systemic antibiotics with curettage to remove affected bone if 
necessary.  

Prognosis: Fair to good with treatment.  Possible complications seen with chronic 
osteomyelitis:  Periosteum not as tightly bound to bone in immature animals.  If abscess 
is septic this can act as chronic source of infection and cause the periosteum to lift off of 
bone.  
  
How and Why situation is different from case:  
_ Less likely to be located in physis in small animals as opposed to an equine.
_ Hematogenous spread more common in young large animals
_ Bone sequestrum more likely in large animals than small animals because less soft 
tissue coverage and located close to ground
_ Better prognosis in small animals as opposed to foals possible because:  inability to 
rest bone, less soft tissue covering so less vasculature.
_ SA more easily anesthetized for curretage, and local perfusion not done as often