Prognosis for osteonecrosis is poor if sequestrum formation has occurred.
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is defined as infection of a bone and
cavity.
Most cases of osteomyelitis are caused by
infection but occasionally fungus is
the infective agent.
The infective agent can enter the bone’s blood supply from the blood, from a penetrating wound or fracture, fracture repair or from neighbouring tissue. The infective agent then leaves the bone’s blood vessels to enter the medullary cavity. Once inside the medullary cavity the infective agent multiplies and breaks down the tissue inside and invades the bone surrounding the medullary cavity.
Septicemia, septic arthritis, fracture, surgical repair of a fracture, or
are
all conditions that may lead to osteomyelitis.
Clinically osteomyelitis is seen as severe lameness if the infection is in the limb accompanied by an increase in circulating antibodies. There may also be sequestrum formation and pathological fracture that are visible on radiograph. Diagnosis is generally made through radiograph and blood analysis as clinical signs are not unique to osteomyelitis. Treatment is generally the administration of systemic antibiotics for an extended period of time. If possible, the administration of antibiotics to the site of infection is also of benefit. surgical practices and by providing good first aid, including the administration of systemic or topical antibiotics where appropriate. Wounds that are penetrating or involve a joint require veterinary care as they often lead to infection. Osteomyelitis can be prevented in most cases by ensuring Prognosis for osteomyelitis is poor as treatment is difficult and sequestrum formation often occurs months after the apparent resolution of the infection.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis describes a
in bone density or mass.
Osteoporosis is not common in horses though conditions such as extreme starvation, calcium deficiency, hormonal imbalances, extreme old age and long-term corticosteroid administration may have a negative effect on bone density. The most likely reason for loss of bone mass in a horse is decreased and restriction of movement. Osteoporosis represents an imbalance in the activities of osteoclasts and osteoblasts where the breakdown of bone exceeds the making of new bone. It can also be a result of demineralization of bone. This is seen as an increase in the volume of the medullary cavity, and a decrease in the
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