Name
Management of Septic Arthritis in a Bearded Dragon Using Intra-Articular Antibiotic Therapy
Description

A 3-year-old male Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) presented for evaluation of left pelvic limb lameness. Physical examination revealed a body condition score of 4/5, yellow mucous membranes, hyperkeratosis over the rostral mandibular symphysis, enlarged bilateral coelomic fat pads, and marked muscle atrophy of the left pelvic limb with pain elicited on stifle manipulation. Radiographs demonstrated generalized osteolysis of the left stifle, with fracture of the femoral condyle and intra-articular fragments, findings consistent with septic arthritis. Amputation was performed due to the poor prognosis for limb salvage, and histopathologic evaluation confirmed osteomyelitis. Post-operatively, the patient was treated with Meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg orally once daily), Enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg orally once daily for 30 days), and Iron Dextran (12.5 mg/kg intramuscularly every 7 days for 4 weeks). Four weeks later, the patient developed right carpal swelling, decreased range of motion, and joint pain. Radiographs demonstrated right erosive carpal arthropathy, dystrophic tendon mineralization at the humeroulnar joint, and radial osseous proliferation. Culture of samples obtained via arthrocentesis of the carpus identified Staphylococcus schleiferi, likely due to hematogenous spread from the previous septic joint. Due to prior amputation and guarded prognosis for further limb loss, the patient was treated with a single intra-articular injection of Amikacin (25 mg/kg) and continued Meloxicam therapy. At the two-month follow-up, the patient showed significant clinical improvement with increased mobility, reduced pain, and radiographic improvement of carpal joint lesions. This case highlights the therapeutic value of intra-articular antibiotic administration in reptiles, demonstrating clinical and radiographic improvement.

Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)