The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological, ultrasonographical, arthroscopic, microbiological and biochemical results of different stages of experimentally induced septic arthritis (SA) in goats and to compare the efficacy of parenteral (PR) and intraarticular (IA) antibiotic application in the treatment after arthroscopic lavage (AL). A 3 ml of suspension containing 4 x 104 cells / ml "Staphylococcus aureus" was injected periodically in the carpal joints of 12 Saanen goats (n=12) (firstly left and then right joints). SA was separately evaluated under 4 groups and in right and left carpal joints of 3 goats in groups. In this main groups, clinical, radiological, ultrasonographical, arthroscopic examinations and microbiologic and biochemical analyses of the synovial fluids were performed. Right (Gr. B) and left (Gr. A) carpal joints of three goats in groups were respectively divided in subgroups according to treatment methods. After AL. ceftriaxon sodium was injected i.m. during 6 days in Gr.A subgroups (3 left carpal joints). Developing of SA and evaluation of treatment process was performed in 3 months period; one week intervals in first month, 15 days intervals in the other months with clinical, radiological and ultrasonographical examinations and microbiological and biochemical analyses. Also in Gr. B (n=3 right carpal joint), SA was developed with same manipulations and evaluations as in Gr. A. Ceftriaxon sodium was IA applied only one time in B subgroups following AL. SA findings were determined in the first examinations of subgroups. Purulent synovial fluid. hyperemia and hyperplasia of synovial membrane, fibrin formation and cartilaginous defects etc. findings were observed in the arthroscopic examination. The factor was identified microbiologically only in first control days of in GR1 and GR2. Total protein and globulin levels of synovial fluid increased. As a conclusion, diagnostic arthroscopy, synovial fluid biochemistry and microbiological analysis were essential and effective in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of experimentally induced SA. Taking the results into consideration, it could be emphasized that neither PR nor IA antibiotic application following AL had any advantages over each other.
