Continued
This week I would like to continue on the topic of bone infections (osteitis).
According to which part of the bone is attacked by bacteria (usually) or fungi (seldom), a different descriptive name is given to the ailment. When the bone marrow is infected (inflamed), one speaks of osteomyelitis. If, on the other hand, the thin membrance (periosteum) which covers many bones is infected, the ailment is called periostitis. (I have often noticed that osteomyelitis is used to describe any inflammatory process involved any part of the bone (marrow, cortex or periosteum)).
Symptoms of bone infection
The most obvious sign in dogs/cats is lameness.
Of course, if the bone was broken and the jagged end was peeping out through the skin, then that pretty clearly is a good sign as to the origin of the infection. Once the infection (bacteria) anchors itself, one can expect a fever (usually with temperatures exceeding 40°C/103°F).