USE OF FACILITATED ANKYLOSIS IN THE TREATMENT OF SEPTIC ARTHRITIS OF THE DISTAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT IN CATTLE - 12 CASES (1987-1992)

摘要

Medical records were reviewed for 12 cattle with septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint that were treated by use of facilitated ankylosis. Information on signalment, clinical signs, digit affected, radiographic findings, and type and duration of treatment were compiled. Owners were contacted for information about the convalescent period, reasons for culling, productivity, and outcome. Outcome was classified as successful or unsuccessful on the basis of lameness, growth pattern, and whether the cattle were subsequently productive. Cause of the septic arthritis was unknown in 9 of 12 (75%) cattle. Eleven of 12 (92%) cattle represented beef breeds. Cattle were lame for a mean of 5.3 weeks before admission. In 8 of 12 (67%) cattle, a trephine was used in the creation of an arthrostomy, the middle and distal phalanges were curvetted, and the joint was lavaged with isotonic solution. A drill bit was wed in 4 of 12 (33%) cattle to remove articular cartilage and facilitate ankylosis.