Bacterial infective stifle arthritis secondary to a migrating grass seed foreign body in an adult dog

Sebastian Prior,Gareth Arthurs

doi:10.1002/vrc2.88

Abstract

AbstractAn adult neutered male cocker spaniel was presented with a 2‐ to 3‐week history of left pelvic limb lameness, stifle effusion, general malaise and pyrexia. Computed tomography imaging revealed an irregular tubular tract, extending from the stifle distally to the level of the mid tibial diaphysis, associated with the long digital extensor muscle. Ultrasonography revealed the tract had echogenic contents; however, no foreign body could be identified. Following surgical exploration, a grass seed was identified in the medial compartment of the left stifle. Culture of the grass seed and joint capsule tissue yielded growth of Pantoea agglomerans. Following the surgery and subsequent antibacterial and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory medication, the dog made a full recovery to normal activity.

Highlights

This case report documents bacterial arthritis of the stifle, secondary to a migrating grass seed foreign body in an adult cocker spaniel
Ultrasound is arguably the most sensitive imaging modality for identification and to guide the removal of grass seeds in dogs.[4,17,18,19]. In this case ultrasound was used in an attempt to identify the suspected foreign body and to facilitate potential removal following the suggestive evidence from Computed tomography (CT)
The stifle joint is a challenging environment in which to locate a foreign body using ultrasound as there is potential for a small foreign body to be obscured by the echogenic artefact created by the bone of the femoral and tibial condyles

Summary

BACKGROUND

This case report documents bacterial arthritis of the stifle, secondary to a migrating grass seed foreign body in an adult cocker spaniel. Grass seed foreign body migration to the stifle has not previously been reported in dogs. A number of reports have documented bacterial infective arthritis secondary to a penetrating foreign body.[5,6,7,8,9] In addition, bacterial infective arthritis can occur secondary to haematogenous spread and following surgical contamination.[6]. The stifle joint has been suggested as a site predisposed for penetrating foreign body injury because of the increased frequency with which this joint is in contact with the ground.[10] In the dog, bacterial infective arthritis is most commonly reported in the stifle joint, this is largely secondary to stifle surgery.[11,12]

CASE PRESENTATION

History at referring veterinary surgeon

History at Dick White Referrals

Findings

DISCUSSION