Pet Parents Dashboard

Diagnosis

Co-existence of ununited anconeal process and fragmented medial coronoid process of the ulna in the dog

Summary:

To determine the incidence of fragmented medial coronoid process of the ulna in dogs with ununited anconeal process. The efficacy of presurgical radiography to diagnose the co-existence of these diseases was also investigated.

Conclusion:

Seventy-two per cent of the dogs were German shepherd dogs. In 25 joints (16 per cent) a fragmented medial coronoidprocess was diagnosed and removed via arthrotomy or arthroscopy. The co-existence of a fragmented medial coronoid process was diagnosed correctly in only 13 cases (52 per cent) by radiography. In five of these cases with advanced osteoarthritis, the fragment was directly visible because of its dislocation. Compared with published information, the occurrence of ununited anconeal process with fragmented medial coronoid process is noted more frequently in the present study.

Author & Journal:Meyer-Lindenberg A, et al, J Small Anim Prac 2006 47:61-65
Learn More

Use of bathroom scales in measuring asymmetry of hindlimb static weight bearing in dogs with osteoarthritis

Summary:

The study assessed the use and reliability of bathroom scales as an objective measurement tool, and setting a normal variance of static weight bearing between hindlimbs.

Conclusion:

The difference between the hindlimbs proportional to the body weight in control dogs was 3.3% (± 2.7%). The repeatability of measuring static weight bearing in the hindlimbs of osteoarthritic dogs with bathroom scales was 81% with osteoarthritic limbs, and 70% for unaffected limbs. The sensitivity of static weight bearing measurements using bathroom scales was 39% and specificity 85%.

Author & Journal:H. K. Hyytiäinen et al, Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol. 2012;25(5):390-6. doi: 10.3415/VCOT-11-09-0135. Epub 2012 Jul 25.
Learn More

Diagnostic imaging of canine elbow dysplasia: a review.

Summary:

Canine elbow dysplasia (CED) is a common developmental disorder of the cubital joint of dogs. CED is comprised of fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP), ununited anconeal process (UAP), osteochondrosis (OC), and elbow incongruity. Multiple imaging modalities have been used to assess this complex of disorders and the severity of the pathologic changes. Radiography has been used as a surveying tool for assessment of CED for many years. Recently, alternate techniques and modalities have expanded our knowledge of CED and our clinical approach to this disorder. Nuclear medicine has been used to aid in localizing lameness to the elbow joint. Ultrasonography has proven helpful for imaging the soft tissue structures adjacent to the joint as well as superficial bone abnormalities, including visualization of FMCP. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are advanced imaging modalities that allow visualization of the elbow in multiple planes and into three-dimensional reconstructions, thus allowing lesions to be more accurately and comprehensively visualized. Assessment of elbow incongruity in particular has been benefitted by these advanced imaging techniques because of the importance of sagittal and dorsal plane imaging and reconstructions for accurately determining the relationships between radial and ulnar articular surfaces.

Conclusion:

Comparative studies using multiple techniques and imaging modalities with correlation to reference standards and patient outcomes will be vital to continued progress in this area.

Author & Journal:Cook CR, et al, Vet Surg 2009 38:144-153
Learn More

Canine ovariohysterectomy and orchiectomy increases the prevalence of ACL injury.

Summary:

To determine whether canine ovariohysterectomy or orchiectomy affects the prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injury, we compared injury rates of anterior cruciate ligaments of animals that had gonadectomy and animals that were sexually intact as a function of gender, breed, or size.

Conclusion:

Sterilization of either gender increased the prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injury, suggesting a potential effect of gonadal gender on prevalence of injury of this ligament.

Author & Journal:Slauterbeck JR, et al, Clin Orthop Relat Res. 429:301-305, 2004
Learn More