Experimental model of staphylococcal osteomyelitis in dogs.

Osteomyelitis was induced in 45 male dogs by inoculating hemolytic strain of Staphylococcus aureus alone into the tibial marrow cavity. Clinical, radiological and bacteriological studies were conducted to evaluate the progress of disease up to 15 weeks. Clinical signs consisted of localized soft tissue swelling, pain, pyrexia and lameness which later developed an open wound with purulent exudation. Predominant radiographic features were extensive periosteal reaction, cortical lysis, new bone formation, frequent development of sequestrum and formation of localized abscess pockets in advanced cases. Staphylococci were recovered from the tibial marrow cavity for as long as 15 weeks after onset of the infection.