Septic Joints in Horses

When joint infections present in horses, swift and aggressive therapy must be applied.

“Untreated or inadequately treated joint infections can lead to loss of function or even death of the horse,” noted Laura Petroski-Rose, B.V.M.S., a Kentucky Equine Research veterinarian.

According to a group of Canadian veterinary researchers,* “the prognosis for septic arthritis in adult horses has improved considerably in recent years due to improved surgical techniques as well as prolonged and aggressive antimicrobial therapy.”

They added, “Ideally, the choice and duration of treatment for septic arthritis are guided by sensitive and specific diagnostic tests that can confirm the presence of a causative organism, determine its antimicrobial sensitivity, and monitor the host response to infection and therapeutic success.”

To help guide other veterinarians in treating life-threatening joint infections, the research team investigated several diagnostic tests. Specifically, joint infections were experimentally induced in a group of horses, and tests were conducted to determine which ones could help identify resolution of infection.

None of the standard tests currently used in practice proved to be useful. These included analyzing synovial fluid from the infected joints, measuring total protein; and counting the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in fighting infection.

“In this study, serum amyloid A, or SAA, was not examined. SAA is a powerful tool that helps identifying and monitor inflammation in the horse’s body, including joint infections,” advised Petroski-Rose.

While in recovery from a joint infection, consider offering your horse one or more joint supplements.

“Any sort of insult to a joint incites a cascade of events that may lead to the development of osteoarthritis,” Petrosk-Rose reminded.

Kentucky Equine Research offers a variety of such products, including:

• KER-Flex, a high-quality glucosamine HCl and chondroitin sulfate;
• Synovate HA, a high molecular weight sodium hyaluronate liquid that helps maintain proper joint health and lubricates joints for frictionless motion, especially in high-motion joints;
• EO-3, an omega-3 fatty acid supplement that exerts natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Australian horse owners can also look for these research-proven products.

*Koziy, R.V., S. Yoshimura, R. Dickinson, et al. 2019. Use of standard diagnostic techniques to determine eradication of infection in experimental equine septic arthritis. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research. 83(1):24-33.