Staphylococcal Septic Arthritis in three Horses

Abstract

Three horses were diagnosed as having monarticular septic arthritis due to Staphylococcus aureus on the basis of culture of articular cartilage, synovial membrane and/or synovial fluid. The organisms were all well recognized human phage types and in 2 cases demonstrated .beta.-lactamase (penicillinase) activity. Details of case histories are presented and the bacteriological techniques and antibiotic management with cloxacillin, methicillin and penicillin discussed. Following treatment, sterile cultures of synovial fluid were achieved in all cases, but in 2 horses the infections resulted in degenerative articular changes. This necessitated arthrodesis of the fetlock joint in 1 case.