Bacterial culture of septic synovial structures of horses: Does a positive bacterial culture influence prognosis?

Taylor, A.H., Mair, T.S., Smith, L.J. and Perkins, J.D. (2010) Bacterial culture of septic synovial structures of horses: Does a positive bacterial culture influence prognosis? Equine Veterinary Journal, 42(3), pp. 213-218. (doi: 10.2746/042516409X480403)

Abstract

P>Reasons for performing study: The influence of synovial fluid culture on short- and long-term prognosis of cases with septic synovitis requires study. Hypotheses: Horses with a positive bacterial culture from septic synovial fluid are less likely to survive or return to successful athletic function than those with a negative bacterial culture from septic synovial fluid. Methods: Records of mature horses presented to 2 equine referral hospitals for investigation of suspected septic synovitis were examined. Horses (n = 206) were included in the study if synovial fluid was submitted for full laboratory examination, including bacterial culture. A diagnosis of septic synovitis was based on a nucleated cell count > 30 x 109 cells/l or > 90% neutrophils and other clinical, cytological and bacteriological parameters. Long-term follow-up was obtained by telephone questionnaire. Univariate analysis, using the Fisher's exact test, was used for all outcomes. Results: Fourteen (20.9%) of 67 horses with a positive bacterial culture from synovial fluid were subjected to euthanasia because of persistent synovial sepsis compared to 2 (1.44%) of 139 with negative bacterial cultures (P < 0.001). Overall survival and successful long-term return to function in horses with a positive bacterial culture was 50% (24/48 horses) compared to 70.5% (74/105) in culture negative horses (P = 0.01). In horses that survived to be discharged, successful long-term return to function was not significantly different between culture positive and culture negative groups. Growth of Staphylococcus aureus from synovial fluid did not affect short-term survival to discharge from the hospital compared to other positive bacterial culture; however, successful long-term return to function was only 30.4% (4/13) in horses from which S. aureus was cultured compared to 73.9% (17/23) of horses in which other bacteria were cultured (P = 0.015). Conclusions and potential clinical relevance: Horses with a positive bacterial culture from a septic synovitis have a poorer prognosis for survival to discharge from hospital and overall long-term return to function than horses that yielded no bacterial growth. When S. aureus was cultured, the long-term prognosis was poorer.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: UNSPECIFIED
• Authors: Taylor, A.H., Mair, T.S., Smith, L.J., and Perkins, J.D.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Equine Veterinary Journal
• ISSN: 0425-1644