Group 2 - Case 3 What ifs
Large Animal Ð Older animal Ð Hematogenous 


1. Signs and symptoms Ð lameness, local heat pain and swelling, anorexia and 
depression (same as foal); possible leukocytosis with degenerative left shift; bony 
destruction on radiographs 10-14 days after onset of infection; positive culture from 
bone likely; progression of bone destruction visible radiographically

2. Management plan -  culture and sensitivity; local (drill holes into infected bone for 
infusion) and aggressive systemic antibiotic treatment (6 weeks); manual removal of 
any dead bone; lavage with sterile saline

3.  Difference from case 3 Ð less likely to occur in mature animal due to differences in 
blood supply to bone (physes are closed); curratage less risky since growth plate 
disruption isnÕt a factor; possible iatrogenic etiologies more likely (surgery creating 
hematoma pocket for bacterial growth and opportunity to seed bone); mature animal 
would have a more developed immune system discouraging such infections;