Arthrosis in the elbow joint of young rapidly growing dogs: a genetic investigation

In cooperation with breed clubs and practising veterinarians throughout Norway, the elbow joints of rottweilers, Bernese mountain dogs and Newfoundlands were screened for osteophyte formation/arthrosis, indicating primary elbow lesions. The changes were graded 0 to 3 and the results subjected to statistical analysis regarding frequencies, frequencies relative to sex, relative risks, differences between offspring groups and heritability. The number of dogs examined were: rottweilers, 1423, Bernese mountain dogs, 414 and Newfoundlands, 209. The frequency of elbow arthrosis varied from 30 to 50 per cent, males being more often and more severely affected than females. The relative risk of developing arthrosis among offspring of affected animals compared to offspring of non-affected animals, was 1–6. Heritability varied from 10-4 per cent to 47-8 per cent, depending on the method used. Based on these results, it is concluded that elbow screening programmes should be carried out in breeds disposed to elbow lesions. Breeding animals should be selected on the basis of the elbow status of parents and other relatives, if possible.     

The surgical treatment of osteochondritis dissecans and ununited coronoid process in the canine elbow joint

The case details of ten dogs with osteochondritis dissecans of the medial condyle of the humerus and seven dogs with ununited coronoid process are presented. Seventeen dogs were treated surgically and the medial approach to the elbow is described.     

Arthrosis with special reference to the elbow joint of young rapidly growing dogs. I A review of the literature.

The terms arthrosis, arthritis, osteochondrosis, osteochondritis dissecans and dysplasia are defined. A short review of the pathological anatomical changes seen in primary and secondary arthrosis is given, and the anatomy of the elbow is briefly described. The literature concerning elbow lesions leading to arthrosis in young, rapidly growing dogs is reviewed.     

Arthrosis with special reference to the elbow joint of young rapidly growing dogs. II. Occurrence, clinical and radiographical findings.

Occurrence, clinical and radiographical findings in ununited medial coronoid process in the ulna and osteochondritis dissecans in the humeral condyle in dogs are presented. One hundred and twelve dogs were examined because of forelimb lameness. Lesions were mostly seen in young dogs of heavy breeds especially the Rottweiler. The ratio male: female was about 2:1. Most of the dogs had bilateral lesions. The lameness varied between grade 1 and 3, judged according to a scale ranging from 1 to 5. The affected limbs were somewhat rotated outwards from the elbow and down. Since the ununited coronoid process is almost impossible to detect on a plain radiograph, it is necessary to look for the presence of secondary developed osteophytes, indicative of an arthrosis. Diagnosis is based upon clinical and radiographical findings, the age and the breed of the dog taken into consideration. Osteochondritis dissecans in the humeral condyle is usually easily seen on the dorsopalmar radiograph.     

Clinical, radiographical and pathological aspects of ununited medial coronoid process of the elbow joint in dogs

An ununited medial coronoid process was found in the region of the medial ulnar articular rim of seven elbow joints in four Persian stray dogs in a survey of joint disease in dogs. The clinical, radiographical and pathological aspects of this condition are described and discussed.     

Use of the distomedial-proximolateral oblique radiographic view of the elbow joint for examination of the medial coronoid process in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate a new radiographic view of the elbow joint in dogs that would potentially enhance observation of the medial coronoid process (MCP). SAMPLE POPULATION: 20 cadaver limbs from 10 dogs and clinical examination of 100 elbow joints of 53 dogs. PROCEDURE: Twenty elbow joints from 10 cadavers were imaged by use of mediolateral, flexed mediolateral, craniocaudal, craniolateral-caudomedial oblique (Cr15L-CdMO), and distomedial-proximolateral oblique (Di35M-PrLO) radiographic views before and after placement of 3 lead pellets placed on the cranial, medial, and craniodistal aspect of the MCP. Three examiners independently reviewed these radiographs. One hundred elbow joints of 53 dogs with forelimb lameness and signs of pain elicited on palpation of the elbow joint were examined. These joints were radiographed and treated by use of arthroscopy. Three examiners independently graded the radiographs. RESULTS: The MCP was identified on all Di35M-PrLO views made during the anatomic study. The Di35M-PrLO view had the largest area under the receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve for detection of abnormalities of the MCP. Fractured and nonfractured MCP could only be significantly differentiated on Di35M-PrLO and mediolateral views. The Di35M-PrLO view had a higher agreement between examiners than other radiographic views for detection of fractures of the MCP. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Di35M-PrLO view enhances the identification of anomalies and fragmentation of the MCP in dogs, compared with other radiographic views. The Di35M-PrLO view may be of benefit for early screening of dogs potentially affected with elbow dysplasia.