The purpose of this study was first to describe the clinical findings, case management and short-term outcome of horses with septic synovial structures over the last 25 years, and to identify risk factors and treatment modalities associated with specific short-term outcomes. Secondly, we wanted to evaluate a broad range real time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) assay for the diagnosis of septic synovitis from synovial fluid (SF) samples of horses, and compare its performance to currently available diagnostic methods.
For the retrospective study, 367 cases met the inclusion criteria. Lavage of the synovial structure and endoscopic surgery were associated with an increased likelihood of discharge from hospital, however, none of the local antimicrobial delivery modalities were associated with a significant change in outcome. No significant improvement in hospital outcome of horses with septic synovitis was identified over the past 25 years.
For the RT PCR study, 48 SF samples from horses with suspected septic synovitis were included, and RT PCR and microbial culture was performed on all samples. One additional RT PCR assay was performed on samples with discordant results or identification of dissimilar organisms. Thirty-eight percent of SF samples had positive culture results, and 42% of SF samples had positive RT PCR results. Sensitivity and specificity for the RT PCR assay relative to agreement of observers on the likelihood of infection were 87% and 72%, respectively, whereas for culture they were 56% and 86%, respectively (P=0.001). The combination of culture and RT PCR assay resulted in sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 81%, respectively.
The broad range RT PCR assay was more sensitive than culture for identification of horses with septic synovitis. Further refinement of the RT PCR assay technique may facilitate use in a clinical setting. / Equine Guelph, University of Guelph
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OGU.10214/3982 |
| Date | 13 September 2012 |
| Creators | Elmas, Colette Remziye |
| Contributors | Koenig, Judith B. |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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