Managing bacterial joint infection in dogs — an acutely painful condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Septic arthritis causes acute, severe welfare impairment. The bacterial infection in the joint space generates intense inflammatory mediators — the affected joint is acutely painful, significantly swollen, warm to touch, and the dog will refuse to bear weight. The systemic inflammatory response causes fever, lethargy, and anorexia. Dogs with septic arthritis are genuinely distressed — vocalising on joint manipulation and showing obvious signs of severe pain.
The time-sensitivity of treatment is critical for both welfare and functional outcomes. Every hour of bacterial joint infection causes progressive cartilage damage from proteolytic enzymes released during inflammation. Delayed treatment leads to permanent cartilage loss, joint instability, and chronic pain from post-infectious osteoarthritis even if the infection is eventually cleared.
Joint lavage under anaesthesia physically removes bacteria, inflammatory debris, and toxins from the joint space. Combined with 4-6 weeks of appropriate systemic antibiotics (guided by culture and sensitivity), this approach resolves infection in the majority of cases when initiated promptly. Analgesia throughout treatment is essential for welfare.