Abstract
Objectives (1) To develop an evaluation grid to provide a systematic interpretation of calves'
articular radiographs, (2) to describe radiographic lesions of septic arthritis in
dairy calves less than 6 months of age, (3) to investigate potential associations
between demographic data or synovial bacteriological culture results and radiographic
lesions (4) to determine whether an association is present between radiographic lesions,
their severity and the long-term outcome.
Methods Medical records of 54 calves less than 180 days old treated for septic arthritis
between 2009 and 2014 with radiographic images performed in the first 2 days after
admission were reviewed.
Results Most common radiographic findings were increased articular joint space height (n = 49), irregularity of the articular surfaces (n = 24) and subchondral bone lysis (n = 24). The number of lesions observed and their severity were associated with older
calves (p = 0.02), increased time between onset of clinical signs and admission (p = 0.0001) and the culture of Trueperella pyogenes within the joint (p = 0.02). The radiographic lesions associated with negative long-term prognosis were
reduction in the joint space height (p = 0.01) and subchondral bone lysis on weight-bearing surfaces (p = 0.02).
Clinical Significance An evaluation grid designed for veterinarians can facilitate systematic reading of
articular radiographs and can be used for dairy calves with a presumptive diagnosis
of septic arthritis. This diagnostic tool may aid in establishing a prognosis and
decision-making process in terms of treatment.
Keywords
joint - calves - septic arthritis - osteomyelitis - radiography
