Diagnostic imaging findings and management of osteoarthritis in pigs with image-guided intra-articular injections.

Objective: To describe the clinical and diagnostic imaging findings of pet pigs with osteoarthritis and determine the efficacy of intra-articular (IA) injections in managing lameness.

Study design: Retrospective observational study.

Animals: A total of 16 pet pigs diagnosed with osteoarthritis and treated with non-steroidal medications and IA injections.

Methods: Cases, diagnostic imaging, and clinical data were collected from the medical records of Purdue University. The owners were interviewed by telephone to collect follow-up data regarding the degree of lameness following joint treatment.

Results: A total of 13 of 16 pigs presented for lameness evaluation. A diagnosis of osteoarthritis was determined with computed tomography (CT) (n = 10) or digital radiography (n = 7). In all, 24 joints were treated with triamcinolone. Following injection, 13 of 16 (81%) pigs showed improvement in lameness, as measured by decreases in lameness scores assigned by the owner (p = .0183). The duration of the effect ranged from a few weeks to several months. Those with no or minimal improvement tended to have advanced osteoarthritis in joints other than those treated. There were no complications reported. The use of CT for injection guidance did not show a significant difference in outcomes over the use of radiographic guidance.

Conclusion: With an accurate diagnosis, IA injections seemed to be a beneficial therapy for pet pigs.

Clinical relevance: The use of IA corticosteroids to treat lameness due to osteoarthritis in pigs represents an effective therapy that reduces lameness.