What do you mean it’s not foot rot? Managing septic joints in ruminants

Synovial sepsis should be considered in any case of acute, severe lameness with distension, heat or swelling localized around a synovial structure. Trauma, local spread, and hema­togenous spread are the most common causes with bacteria such as Truperella spp., Mycoplasma spp. and other common species prevalent. Treatment consists of systemic, local, and regional antimicrobial therapy in conjunction with drainage and lavage of the synovial structure. Referral is always prudent when athletic potential or a certain level of soundness is re­quired. When referral is not possible, practitioners can manage these cases by following the treatment principles of decreasing bacterial load, mitigating inflammation and mitigating pain. Prognosis is variable depending on severity of lesions, bony changes and joints affected.