Post-Traumatic Septic Bone Sequestration in Three Dogs

Graham Hayes,Karen Harris,Sorrel Langley-Hobbs

doi:10.1055/s-0039-1692974

Abstract

AbstractFormation of discreet bony sequestra is reported in three dogs presenting with post-traumatic osteomyelitis with no previous history of orthopaedic surgery. Two cases had a presumed or confirmed history of dog bites, while the third case had a fracture treated conservatively. All three were treated with surgical debridement and sequestrectomy with good outcome.

Highlights

Sequestra formation normally requires devitalized bone and an infectious agent
Bone sequestration most commonly occurs as a complication of orthopaedic surgery but may arise following trauma or bacteraemia.[1,2]
Three cases of bone sequestration are reported that are unusual in that they developed in dogs with no previous history of orthopaedic surgery

Summary

Introduction

Sequestra formation normally requires devitalized bone and an infectious agent. Opportunistic infectious agents may colonize a devitalized bone fragment or may be primary pathogens, which cause osteonecrosis during colonization. The dog was not presented for a scheduled re-examination 6 weeks postoperatively, but was intermittently seen by the referring veterinary surgeon who reported resolution of the discharging sinuses and only intermittent mild lameness after exercise. A 3-year-old female neutered working Labrador Retriever presented to the referring veterinary surgeon with a 3-week history of progressive right forelimb lameness that was unresponsive to firocoxib (Previcox; Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, 5mg/kg PO q24h). Radiography performed by the referring veterinary surgeon showed periosteal new bone formation in the region of the medial epicondyle of the humerus (►Fig. 4A, B). There was no pain on firm palpation of the distal humerus and radiography revealed resolution of the aggressive bony lesion and smooth remodelling of the cortex (►Fig. 4D, E) At this time, antibiotic medications were stopped and light exercise was resumed with unrestricted work allowed from 10 weeks postoperatively. No further problems were reported over the following 2 years

Discussion

Conclusions