Therapy for deep digital sepsis

Abstract

Therapy for deep digital sepsis (DDS) can be both challenging and rewarding. It can be as routine as digit amputation or as complex as invasive corrective surgery. The precise mode of therapy will be dictated by numerous factors including the structures involved, value of the animal, its intended use and expected longevity, body size, and the experience and facilities available to the veterinarian. This discussion will be limited to techniques applicable to being performed on a tilt table under local/regional anesthesia rather than more advanced techniques involving arthroscopy/tenoscopy that require general anesthesia, expensive equipment, and considerable training to implement. Description of the methods for differentiation of various causes of deep digital sepsis are reviewed in an earlier manuscript in this volume (see Deep digital sepsis in cattle - clinical differentiation). Additionally, techniques for digit salvage via facilitated ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint may be mentioned but not fully detailed.