Osteomyelitis in Dogs

Osteomyelitis is an infection the bone. Although many people do not realize it, bone is living tissue that can become infected. Fortunately it can also repair itself, particularly with the aid of modern medicine. Infection of the bone, called osteomyelitis can be acute or chronic. Acute infection show up quickly, while those that are chronic spread slowly and symptoms can take months to develop.

Causes of Osteomyelitis

The most common causes of bone infection in both people and dogs are staphylococcal bacteria, followed by streptococcal bacteria, and, more rarely, other bacterial and fungal organisms. Bone infections can arise from infections in other areas of the body carried to the bone by the bloodstream.

The more common causes of the bone infections in dogs are from outside of the body via bite wounds, other puncture wounds, compound fractures, and bone surgeries. Severe dental disease can lead to infection of the bones of the jaws.

Osteomyelitis can also be acquired secondarily to other brain injuries, most commonly brain infections, traumas, brain tumors and poisonings.

Signs of Osteomyelitis

The initial signs are pain, swelling, fever, and if a limb is involved, lameness. These signs are usually accompanied by depression and loss of appetite. In time the infection usually breaks through the skin, and a blood-tinged or pus discharge occurs.

Diagnosis of Osteomyelitis

Diagnosis is made by the history, clinical signs, confirmed by blood tests and x-rays. It is advisable to have the discharge cultured in order to identify the organisms that are causing the infection and also to run a sensitivity test to determine which antibiotic will be effective in treatment. Although these tests are extra cost, bone infections can be difficult to clear up and a hit-or-miss use of antibiotics can make the condition worse.

Treatment of Osteomyelitis

In most cases it will be necessary to drain the wound surgically and remove all dead and infected tissues from the bone. Vigorous and often long-term antibiotic treatment will be essential, both systematically (by injection or mouth) and locally (into the wound). The wound will either be left open or closed with a tube inserted for drainage. Although most bone infections clear up with adequate treatment, some do not respond and require more extensive surgery and long-term treatment.