Arthroscopic exploration and biopsy for diagnosis of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of the coxofemoral joint in a dog

Summary

A five-year-old, spayed female mixed breed (38 kg) dog was referred for total hip replacement for an intermittently non-weight bearing lameness of the left hind limb. Radiographs and computed tomography suggested proliferative, osteolytic pathology of the left coxofemoral joint. Using arthroscopic exploration and biopsy, septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in the left coxofemoral joint were diagnosed. Treatment recommendations for antibiotic therapy and femoral head and neck excision were made based upon this diagnosis. Femoral head and neck excision resulted in pain relief and improved function and arthroscopy provided a minimally invasive, yet accurate, diagnosis in this case.[*]

Keywords

Septic arthritis - osteomyelitis - arthroscopy - coxofemoral joint - dog

^* The information from this case, presented in a case report format, was selected as the first place winner of the 2004 American Board of Veterinary Practitioners' National Student Case Report Contest. There are no copyright restrictions regarding this award.

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