A case of a periarticular abscess and suppurative arthritis of the atlanto-occipital joint

Authors: van Galen, G.; Busoni, V.; Sandersen, C.; Verwilghen, D.; Cassart, D.; Linden, A.; Fortier, G.; Amory, H.

Source: Equine Veterinary Education, Volume 21, Number 7, July 2009 , pp. 340-343(4)

Publisher: Equine Veterinary Journal Ltd.

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Abstract:

This Case Report describes a periarticular abscess and a suppurative arthritis of the atlanto-occipital joint in an adult horse. The horse showed a painful swelling localised on the atlanto-occipital region and ataxia in all 4 limbs. During hospitalisation, the horse developed recumbency, dysphagia, facial paralysis and seizures. Ultrasonography of the atlanto-occipital region enabled a tentative diagnosis to be made, which was later confirmed at autopsy. Culture of the abscess revealed a Staphylococcus aureus. However, the horse had a history of recurrent fever, hypertrophy and abscessation of the submandibular lymph nodes, neck pain and dyspnoea for 2 months, which was suggestive of strangles.

Keywords: HORSE; ABSCESS; ARTHRITIS; ATLANTO-OCCIPITAL JOINT; STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Document Type: Case report

DOI: 10.2746/095777309X438774

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