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Coxofemoral joint laxity from distraction radiography and its contemporaneous and prospective correlation with laxity, subjective score, and evidence of degenerative joint disease from conventional hip-extended radiography in dogs

Summary:

A 3-year prospective study of large-breed dogs (4 months to 3 years of age) was conducted to evaluate the influence of radiographic positioning and age on coxofemoral joint (hip) laxity, subjective hip score, and development of degenerative joint disease (DJD). The dogs (n = 142) were breeder- or client-owned and represented 14 breeds.

Conclusion:

Results of the study indicated that at a specific age (4, 6, 12, 24, or 36 months), all methods of hip evaluation correlated with each other at a moderate level (P < 0.05). The strength of contemporaneous correlation tended to increase with age of evaluation. Longitudinally, the between-method correlations were usually significant (P < 0.05), but not at a sufficiently high level to permit reliable between-method prediction. Prospective intraclass (within-method) statistical analysis of the various hip-scoring methods indicated that DI was superior to NA and OFA/WHR in comparability of score over time. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.55 to 0.91 for DI in contrast to 0.40 to 0.78 for NA, and 0.06 to 0.39 for OFA/WHR over the age intervals of the study. For reference, the highest Kappa of 0.39 for the subjective OFA/WHR scoring reflected a maximal level of agreement between time intervals, only slightly better than chance. The associated large error questions the predictive use of the 7-point, subjective hip-scoring scheme, particularly prior to the age of 2 years.

Author & Journal:Smith GK, et al, Am J Vet Res 1993
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Early clinical experience with osteochondral autograft transfer for treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the medial humeral condyle in dogs.

Summary:

To establish whether osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) procedures for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the canine elbow would restore articular contour, resurface osteochondral defects with hyaline cartilage, and resolve lameness in the short term.

Conclusion:

OAT procedures are technically feasible in the canine elbow. In elbows with concurrent MCD, proximal ulnar osteotomy may improve likelihood of positive clinical outcome.

Author & Journal:Fitzpatrick N, et al, Vet Surg 2009 38:246-260
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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
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Short-term and eight to 12 months results of a tibial tuberosity advancement as treatment of canine cranial cruciate ligament damage.

Summary:

To describe the perioperative complications and the six weeks and eight to 12 months outcome of cases of canine cranialcruciate ligament damage treated with a tibial tuberosity advancement.

Conclusion:

The complication rate was comparable with previous reports of cranial cruciate ligament rupture treated with a tibial tuberosityadvancement or a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). The most frequent complication was a symptomatic late secondary meniscal damage in six cases (8.5 per cent). These cases were successfully treated with a partial meniscectomy during a minimal invasive procedure. The six-week re-evaluation showed advanced healing of the tibial crest osteotomies in 94 per cent of the cases and a significant reduction of the lameness in all dogs. Eighty-three per cent of the owners reported that their dogs are never lame or only after heavy exercise eight to 12 months after the tibial tuberosity advancement procedure. Sixty-five per cent of the owners stated the overall treatment to be excellent, 28 per cent good.

Author & Journal:Stein S, et al, J Small Anim Pract. 2008 Aug;49(8):398-404
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Total joint replacement in the dog.

Summary:

Total joint replacement has evolved over the past 50 years from a concept that was first attempted in people suffering from osteoarthritis to a commonly applied practice in veterinary medicine. Although many questions have been answered, several controversies still exist, with many implant and technical options being explored.

Conclusion:

Currently, total hip and elbow replacement are commercially available options viable for use in dogs. These options are detailed in this article. Joint replacement for other canine joints (ie, knee, hock, shoulder) that develop osteoarthritis likely will be developed in the near future.

Author & Journal:Conzemius MG, et al, Vet Clin North Am Small Anim 2005
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Inheritance of rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in Newfoundlands

Summary:

To determine prevalence, level of inbreeding, heritability, and mode of inheritance for rupture of the cranial cruciateligament (RCCL) in Newfoundlands.

Conclusion:

Identification of a genetic basis for RCCL in Newfoundlands provided evidence that investigators can now focus on developing methods to identify carriers to reduce the prevalence of RCCL.

Author & Journal:Wilke VL, et al, J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 Jan 1;228(1):61-4
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Comparison of owner satisfaction between stifle joint orthoses and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy for the management of cranial cruciate ligament disease in dogs.

Summary:

To compare owner satisfaction between custom-made stifle joint orthoses and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for the management of medium- and large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). DESIGN Owner survey.

Conclusion:

Results indicated high owner satisfaction rates for both interventions. Owners considering nonsurgical management with an orthosis should be advised about potential complications such as persistent lameness, skin lesions, patient intolerance of the device, and the need for subsequent surgery.

Author & Journal:Hart JL, et al, J Am Vet Med Assoc 2016;249(4):391-398
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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
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Long-term functional outcome of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy versus extracapsular repair in a heterogeneous population of dogs.

Summary:

To compare the long-term outcome of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and extracapsular repair (ECR) for treatment of a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (RCCL).

Conclusion:

Dogs achieved normal limb loading faster after TPLO than ECR. TPLO resulted in operated limb function that was indistinguishable from the control population by 1 year postoperatively.

Author & Journal:Nelson SA, et al, Vet Surg 42:38-50, 2013
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