Osteomyelitis in the feline pelvic limb secondary to bacterial infection: Case report

Abstract

Osteomyelitis is defined as bone inflammation caused by an infectious agent that may be bacteria or fungi, including associated structures such as soft tissues, periosteum and endosteum. The causes for the appearance of osteomyelitis are diverse, such as exposed fractures, traumatism and extensive bone exposure. The main clinical signs found are claudication in the affected limb, pain on palpation of the region, edema and presence of purulent discharge at the affected site. The diagnosis involves radiographic, hematological and antibiogram examinations. The treatment is long and requires persistence of both the tutor and the professional responsible. The best form of prevention is the attention and care in any injury that the animal may present in order to avoid outbreaks of infection. The objective of this study was to report a case of a 3-years-old feline, with symptomatology of pain, claudication and presence of mucopurulent secretion in the pelvic limb, from the city of Manaus, at the Veterinary Medical Center of Manaus, approaching clinical history, diagnosis and treatment. Through physical and radiographic examinations and antibiogram, it was possible to diagnose osteomyelitis. Treatment consisted of scraping, removal bone fragments and use of various antibiotics, with lincomycin showing the best results. The animal presented a satisfactory recovery. It was concluded that, through clinical signs, the correct approach and complementary tests such as bacterial culture and antibiogram is necessary to treat the infection.