Summary
Objective: Gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge (GICS) can be used to treat intra-articular
surgical site infections. High local concentrations of gentamicin can be reached for
short periods; however the collagen vehicle may persist for much longer periods. We
wished to determine the effect of sponge implantation on joint inflammation and renal
function.
Methods: Eighteen medium sized mixed breed research dogs of hound type were randomized to
two groups; arthroscopic implantation of GICS at gentamicin dose = 6 mg/kg (n = 9)
or sham operation (n = 9). Endpoints consisted of joint inflammation measured by synovial
fluid cell counts and cytokine concentrations; lameness measured by force plate asymmetry
indices; and renal function measured by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) study. The
prevalence of lesions associated with aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity was assessed by
renal biopsy and transmission electron microscopy.
Results: Gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge implantation caused joint inflammation (p
<0.01), lameness (p = 0.04), and decreased GFR (p = 0.04). No difference was observed
in the prevalence of renal lesions on biopsy between the treatment and control groups
(p = 0.49).
Clinical significance: Gentamicin impregnated collagen sponge implantation causes joint inflammation and
lameness as well as GFR reductions at the dose assessed. Gentamicin impregnated collagen
sponge are not recommended for intra-articular implantation in dogs.
Keywords
Gentamicin - collagen - sponge - dogs