Client Education

The foal has septic arthritis, possibly stemming from a low-grade systemic infection. In 
septic arthritis, bacteria enter a joint capsule and disturb the normal development of the 
joint. The foal might have gotten this infection through the umbilical cord at birth or 
simply from the environment. This problem is often initially mistaken for some type of 
trauma.

The blood work did not show anything significant, but our joint tap did show the 
presence of bacteria in a normally sterile site. Fortunately, this situation was caught early, 
and the inflammation is minimal. However, this situation does require immediate 
treatment in two areas.

1. Remove the bacteria causing the infection. WeÕll flush the joint with sterile saline and 
antibiotics. Ideally, this would involve hospitalization for several days so that we 
could provide intravenous antibiotics and round-the-clock nursing care. If you wish to 
take her home, we would provide you with an injectable antibiotic, which we would 
show you how to administer.

2. To minimize damage to the cartilage and to prevent further arthritic damage, strict 
confinement to a stall should be enforced until she is rechecked in 10 days. 

We will schedule a recheck for 10 days from now. Please contact us if you have any 
questions.