Diseases of cattle, sheep, goats and swineMoussu, G. (Gustave)
Science
Diseases of cattle, sheep, goats and swine
Moussu, G. (Gustave)
Veterinary medicine
Exudative arthritis is the form usually seen at first. It may preserve
its primary characteristics, but only too often proves to be the
forerunner of the plastic form, which develops with the lapse of time.
If nothing is done wasting becomes more marked, and is accompanied by
cachexia. The animals are unable to rise, the complications inseparable
from decubitus occur, and wasting or secondary purulent infection sets
in.
=Lesions.= In the exudative form the changes are confined to
inflammation and thickening of the synovial membranes, intra-articular
exudation, and sometimes grooving of the cartilages without ulceration
of the articular surfaces and without disorganisation of the joint.
The plastic form, on the other hand, leads to destruction of the
cartilages, ligaments, and sub-cartilaginous bony layers, induration and
calcification of the walls of the synovial cavity, and even periostitis
of the ends of the bones, with the formation of false joints. The
internal surface of the inflamed synovial membranes begins to granulate,
the fibrous clots distending the articular dilatations are perforated by
these extending granulations, and fibrous tracts soon develop even in
the articulation itself, undergo calcification, and produce complete
anchylosis.
=Diagnosis.= The diagnosis is easy. The animal’s history and symptoms,
and the stationary character of the pain in the earlier stages are
sufficient to prevent any error.
=Prognosis.= The prognosis is grave, but not fatal. In the exudative
form recovery may follow early treatment. In the plastic form, however,
the chances of success are extremely meagre.
=Treatment.= It is easier to prevent than cure, particularly in these
forms of arthritis. The means are simple, and consist in always treating
the post-partum infection as soon as it is recognised. The animals can
be effectively safeguarded against later articular complications by the
free use of intra-uterine antiseptic injections, until the uterine
injuries have wholly healed, and by the administration of saline
purgatives and diuretics.
When infectious arthritis is diagnosed, it is still necessary to resort
to the same methods if the uterine symptoms persist, and to complete the
treatment by local applications.
The best method of local treatment seems to consist in puncturing the
articulation aseptically, removing almost all of the liquid exudate, and
immediately thereafter firing the skin covering the joint in points or
lines.
If treatment has been invoked too late, if plastic arthritis with the
formation of fibrous bands within the joint and destruction of the
cartilages and calcification of ligaments, etc., already exists, there
is no economic object in undertaking treatment. Fattening may be
attempted, or the animals may be handed over to the butcher, if wasting
is not too far advanced.
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