NAVLE Musculoskeletal

Canine Osteomyelitis Study Guide

Osteomyelitis is inflammation and infection of bone and bone marrow, representing a significant challenge in small animal orthopedics.
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Overview and Clinical Importance

Osteomyelitis is inflammation and infection of bone and bone marrow, representing a significant challenge in small animal orthopedics. This condition can result from trauma, surgery, or hematogenous spread of infection, with potential for serious complications including chronic pain, limb dysfunction, and even septicemia.

Osteomyelitis is frequently tested on the NAVLE because it requires understanding of microbiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic imaging, and both medical and surgical management. The incidence has been reported as high as 31% of canine fracture repairs, making it a clinically relevant topic for veterinary practice.

Organism Prevalence Clinical Associations
Staphylococcus spp 50% Most common overall; post-surgical, post-traumatic
Streptococcus spp 15-20% Polymicrobial infections, bite wounds
Escherichia coli 10-15% Immunocompromised, hematogenous spread
Pasteurella spp 5-10% Cat or rodent bite wounds
Pseudomonas spp Less than 5% Contaminated wounds, nosocomial infections
Anaerobes Less than 5% Bite wounds, polymicrobial, treatment failures

Classification of Osteomyelitis

Osteomyelitis is classified based on route of infection and duration of disease. Understanding these classifications is essential for determining appropriate treatment strategies.

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