Septic arthritis is an inflammation of the joint that has been infected due to traumatic injury, surgery or microorganisms entering the joints through the blood stream. Usually this happens in a single joint but may be found in multiple joints as well
Septic arthritis is differentiated from arthritis by the lack of toxicity in the joint fluid. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more bone joints, while septic arthritis is the inflammation of the joint(s) along with bacteria or other microorganisms within the fluid of the affected joint(s).
This disease is commonly seen in male dogs between the ages of four and seven years. Predisposed breeds include German shepherds, Dobermans, and Labrador retrievers.
Common symptoms include pain, fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, joint swelling, lameness of the affected limb, affected joint is hot to the touch, inability to move the affected joint normally.
