” He thinks it is joint ill…little sore inthe left hock…eating, drinking, and pooping.. The only symptom other than fever is she is lethargic. “…
My 6 month old miniature filly has been running a fever, as high as 105 for over 3 weeks. The vet put her on 1 week of SMZ-TMP but she was no better so he put her on the same antibiotics for 2 more weeks plus Banamine once a day. He thinks it is joint ill. She appears to be a little sore in the left hock. She is eating, drinking, and pooping normally. The only symptom other than fever is she is lethargic. He ran a blood test and said he thinks it is joint ill. What do you think?
Dr. Jack Sales’ Answer:
Hi Donna,
If it is joint ill it is very possible that the sore joint, hock joint in this case, could be more filled with fluid than normal. It is usually hot or warm to the touch as well. If a joint fluid sample is taken and a culture and sensitivity is performed, your Vet might be able to get a better idea of which antibiotic would be most effective for the infection. X-rays may also give your vet an idea of the exact extent of the involvement of the infection in the joint. Sometimes hock joint infections will show actual bone necrosis (infection in the bone) with x-ray examination. This might give him a better idea of diagnosis and prognosis. I hope this helps and good luck.
