Bone Infection (Osteomyelitis) in Dogs

Osteomyelitis in dogs is a serious condition that requires rapid, intensive treatment. Untreated bone infection weakens the structure of the bone which predisposes to fracture and systemic illness. Young puppies are predisposed to osteomyelitis from systemic spread of infection.

Most cases respond to treatment but severe cases such as infected, open fractures may prevent bone healing and sometimes result in amputation of the affected limb. Dogs with osteomyelitis of the jaw have a better prognosis.

Dogs with suspected osteomyelitis require urgent veterinary attention.

Dogs with severe, penetrating fractures and those who have undergone orthopedic surgery are at higher risk of bone infection. Very young, very old, and immunocompromised dogs are at higher risk of any type of infection.

Symptoms vary depending on the degree of infection. Osteomyelitis secondary to a dental abscess is often painful but responds well to medical and surgical treatment. Conditions that result in loss of integrity of the bone and surrounding soft tissue such as gunshot wounds are often severe and involve multiple injuries.

Systemic spread is more common in young, rapidly growing puppies as the blood supply to the fast growing bones is more prone to the spread of infection.

Underlying disease mechanisms involve loss of bone structure, usually alongside damage to the surrounding soft tissues, which allows infection to enter the bone cavity. Other causes include systemic spread from another area of the body through the bloodstream.

Systemic spread includes:

• Spread of fungal infections
• Chronic infection in another area of the body
• Poor immunity such as chronic underlying disease or long term use of immunosuppressant drugs

Osteomyelitis most commonly affects the jaws and limbs.

Diagnosis of osteomyelitis includes

• Physical examination
• Blood work
• Urine testing
• Bacterial and fungal culture
• X-rays
• CT scan

Treatment involves treating the infection alongside the underlying trigger, this includes:

• Antibiotic medication
• Antifungal medication
• Wound management
• Fracture management
• Dental extractions
• Removal of infected surgical implants

Prognosis varies significantly based on the extent of the infection and treatment of the underlying condition.

Mild to moderate dental osteomyelitis usually carries a good prognosis whereas osteomyelitis associated with a complex, open fracture has a guarded prognosis.

All cases of osteomyelitis require prolonged courses of appropriate antibiotic or antifungal medications alongside treatment of the underlying cause which is often extensive.

Prevention focuses on reducing underlying risk factors and can be challenging. Avoiding situations where dogs are exposed to trauma may reduce the number of fractures or accidents. In many cases of injury, prompt veterinary treatment reduces the risk of subsequent osteomyelitis. Appropriate use of antibiotics in orthopedic surgery reduces the incidence of osteomyelitis. Good quality dental hygiene reduces the risk of osteomyelitis in the jaw.

Osteomyelitis is uncommon in dogs.

• Antibiotic medication
• Antifungal medication
• Wound management
• Fracture management
• Dental extractions
• Removal of infected surgical implants