In foals, it often is called joint ill, and it is seen commonly in neonatal foals less than one month of age. This is not to say that mares don't step on their foals, because some do. However, the most common cause of lameness that veterinarians see in neonatal foals is caused by septic arthritis, not careless mares. Septic arthritis also can be seen in older foals and adult horses, but the cause usually is quite different from that in neonatal foals. In this article, we will discuss the cause, clinical signs, and treatment options for septic arthritis in foals and adult horses.
Septic arthritis is infection within the joint.
Simplified, arthritis means joint inflammation, and septic means infection caused by microorganisms. Therefore, septic arthritis is joint inflammation caused by microorganisms. Bacteria almost always causes this infection in foals. However, there have been a few reports of yeast infections in adult horses. Joint infection in foals leads to progressively worsening lameness and joint swelling.