Posttraumatic osteomyelitis.

Posttraumatic osteomyelitis is the most common type of osteomyelitis in the dog and cat. Poor surgical technique is the leading cause of this disease. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of an infected wound, avascular bone, and favorable milieu. Treatment usually involves surgery; the goal is to improve the environment. Because treatment is not totally successful and is lengthy and costly, the main emphasis in dealing with this disease should revolve around its prevention.