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Equine veterinary journal2010; 42(3); 213-218; doi: 10.2746/042516409X480403

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

Abstract: The influence of synovial fluid culture on short- and long-term prognosis of cases with septic synovitis requires study. Objective: 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>30x10(9) 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.
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Publication Date: 2010-05-22 PubMed ID: 20486977DOI: 10.2746/042516409X480403Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study investigates the relationship between positive bacterial culture in synovial fluid of horses with septic synovitis and their prognosis. The findings suggest horses with a positive bacterial culture have a poorer chance of survival and return to function than those with a negative culture, with Staphylococcus aureus having a particularly negative impact on prognosis.

Research Objective

  • The goal of this study was to determine the effect of synovial fluid culture, particularly the presence of bacteria, on the short and long-term prognosis of horses suffering from septic synovitis. Septic synovitis is a health issue in horses that entails an infection in the synovial fluid which can lead to pain, swelling and reduced function. By investigating whether a positive or negative bacterial culture influences survival and recovery rates, the study aims to better understand and potentially improve equine health management.

Methods

  • Records of adult horses suspected of having septic synovitis from two equine referral hospitals were examined. The pool consisted of 206 horses for which synovial fluid was fully examined
  • A diagnosis of septic synovitis was determined based on certain clinical, cytological and bacteriological parameters such as cell count and percentage of neutrophils.
  • Long-term data was collected using telephone questionnaires.
  • The statistical analysis of the outcomes was conducted using univariate analysis with Fisher’s exact test.

Results

  • The research found that 20.9% of horses with positive bacterial culture had to be euthanized due to persistent synovitis, as compared to only 1.44% of those with negative bacterial cultures.
  • Furthermore, overall survival and successful long-term return to functionality was 50% for horses with a positive bacterial culture, as opposed to a much higher 70.5% for horses with a negative culture.
  • In horses that survived to be discharged, long-term functionality was not significantly different between culture positive and culture negative groups.
  • When specifically looking at Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, it was found that while their presence didn’t affect short-term survival, the long-term return to functionality was significantly lower compared to when other bacteria were present.

Conclusions

  • The findings of this research suggest that presence of bacteria in the synovial fluid of horses with septic synovitis negatively influences prognosis.
  • Horses with a positive bacterial culture are less likely to survive and successfully return to function compared to those with a negative culture.
  • The presence of Staphylococcus aureus was specifically noted to have a negative impact on long-term prognosis.

Cite This Article

APA
Taylor AH, Mair TS, Smith LJ, Perkins JD. (2010). Bacterial culture of septic synovial structures of horses: does a positive bacterial culture influence prognosis? Equine Vet J, 42(3), 213-218. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409X480403

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 42
Issue: 3
Pages: 213-218

Researcher Affiliations

Taylor, A H
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK.
Mair, T S
    Smith, L J
      Perkins, J D

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
        • Bacterial Infections / therapy
        • Bacterial Infections / veterinary
        • Horse Diseases / microbiology
        • Horse Diseases / therapy
        • Horses
        • Joint Diseases / microbiology
        • Joint Diseases / therapy
        • Joint Diseases / veterinary
        • Retrospective Studies
        • Synovial Fluid / microbiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 16 times.
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