Metaphyseal osteomyelitis in an immature Abyssinian cat

Metaphyseal osteomyelitis is a rarely described condition in small animals, especially the cat. Infection, most commonly Staphylococcus sp, is considered to occur in the metaphyseal region of the immature animal due to vascular anomalies that predispose to the haematogenous seeding of bacteria in this area. There is also speculation that the characteristics of the bacteria that allow them to adhere to cartilage matrix, rather than vascular linings and erythrocytes, may provide an advantage for colonisation in the metaphysis, resulting in infection. This case describes the successful management of a case of distal radial metaphyseal osteomyelitis in an immature cat using surgical intervention and antibacterial therapy.