Septic arthritis in neonatal and juvenile New World camelids (5 cases)

Septic arthritis (SA) in camelids is infrequently reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, etiologies, diagnostics, treatment and short- and long-term outcome in neonatal and juvenile New World camelids (NWCs) with SA. Two neonatal alpaca crias were diagnosed with SA associated with failure of transfer of passive immunity and neonatal sepsis. Three juvenile camelids, 1 alpaca, and 2 llamas were presented with an infection of a single joint with associated lameness. All animals were treated with systemic and intra-articular antimicrobials. Surgical treatment including joint lavage was performed in 4 cases. Four (80%) NWCs survived to discharge. Three were sound at the time of discharge and 1 was discharged with mild lameness. One neonatal cria was euthanized. Septic arthritis in neonatal and juvenile NWC appears to have a favorable prognosis for discharge and guarded prognosis for long-term outcome with appropriate treatment.