Surgical and Conservative Treatment of Infectious Arthritis in Cattle

Abstract

SUMMARY During a 5-year period, conservative vs surgical treatment was studied in 81 cattle afflicted with infectious arthritis. Arthritis of the pedal joint and infectious polyarthritis were not included in the study. Surgical treatment included opening of the joint capsule, careful debridement, and excision of synovium, infected cartilage, and bone. This was followed by joint immobilization for at least 6 weeks and systemic antibiotic treatment. Of 42 cattle so treated, 29 (72%) recovered. Treatment of the tarsal joint had the least favorable prognosis. Conservative treatment included intramuscular and intraarticular injections of antibiotics. Of 39 cattle so treated, 13 (43%) recovered.