Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.46419/cvj.57.5.2
Hock Arthritis in Pet Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus): Physical, Cytological and Bacteriological Study of Synovial Fluid
Said Derbal
; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, 25016 Ali Mendjeli, Constantine, Algeria
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* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Hock arthritis is a pathology with significant repercussions on the health of pet chickens, and on the economics of the poultry sector. The objective of this study was to detail the physical, cytological, and bacteriological characteristics of synovial fluid from hocks of 52 pet chickens affected by arthritis. The appearance of synovial fluid was assessed in terms of volume, colour, turbidity and viscosity. The mucin clot test was performed. Synovial fluid smears were stained with May-Grunwald-Giemsa to perform differential cell counts. Isolated bacteria were identified by standard microbiological and biochemical tests. Analysis of the synovial fluid samples revealed variations in their physical characteristics. The majority of samples exhibited a volume of 200 µL, slight turbidity, a bloody colour and decreased viscosity. The number of erythrocytes, platelets and white blood cells varied depending on the sample for cytological parameters. One sample showed an absence of leukocytes. Synovial fluids infected with Staphylococci showed a higher number of leukocytes per field compared to those infected with Enterobacteriaceae. Bacteriological analysis revealed that 65.38% of synovial fluid samples were negative for bacteria, while 34.61% were positive, of which Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (35%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) (40%), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (5%) and Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) (20%). Synovial fluid in hock arthritis shows variable physical and cytological characteristics, reflecting changes in cell types and fluid properties. In pet chickens, the main bacterial agents identified are S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli and S. enterica. These findings provide essential information for veterinarians and poultry practitioners, aiding in joint health assessment, early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Keywords
hock arthritis; pet chickens; synovial fluid; cytology; bacteriology
Hrčak ID:
347606
URI
Publication date:
15.9.2026.
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