Deep Septic Arthritis of the Fetlock Joint in two Dairy Cows: Clinical, Radiographic and Pathomorphologic Findings

The case included two Holstein cows presen ting chronic septic arthritis of the fetlock joint. There were considerable oval swelling in the fetlock region, presence of pain, severe lameness, and involvement of one hind foot, absence of pastern swelling and interdigital space involvement. In one of cows, early bovine digital dermatitis lesions were found incidentally during examination. Radiographic images depicted a quite wide range of radiographic signs such as soft tissue swelling, new bone formation and osteolysis. Gross necropsy revealed tendovaginitis and the consistent purulent discharge was confined to the fetlock zone. After necropsy, the sample was selected for further procedures by putrefaction. The naked bone showed considerable bone changes. High standards of building design and monitoring seems to have prevented premature culling in cows with severe digital lesion. The chances of restoring the productivity of the animal depend largely on accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.