Viscosity determination of synovial fluids from the canine hip and elbow joint as well as the human knee joint

The development of pathological changes in both human and canine hip joints is mainly caused by a lack of synovial fluid lubrication. This results in an increased joint abrasion. Even after implantation of joint prosthesis, inadequate lubrication can lead to abrasion in the tribological pair. This can finally result in aseptic loosening of the prosthesis. In spite of the enormous number of studies that have been performed on human, only little knowledge about the tribological properties of the joints in dogs is available in the literature. For this reason the viscosities of synovial fluid, derived from physiological and pathologically changed canine elbow joints were measured. The viscosities were determined by the use of a cone-plate viscometer at different temperatures and shear rates. The obtained values were compared with the viscosity values of pathologically changed synovial fluids from human knee joints as well as with pathological samples from the canine hip joint. The results show that the viscosity values vary within a series of measurements and are inversely proportional to the temperature of the sample and the shear rate. The differences between the average viscosities of canine and human synovial fluids taken from pathologically changed joints are below 4% (22.5 s(-1) at theta1 = 25 degrees C). The findings of this study are being implemented in a FE-Model for the computation of actual forces in the hip joint during different movements. This would represent a contribution to an improved prosthetic treatment of canine and human hips.     

Pathology of udder lesions in sows

In recent years an increasing frequency of sows with udder lesions has been observed during meat inspection. The frequency and pattern of affected mammary complexes were determined by inspection, palpation, and incision of udders of 640 sows at a local slaughterhouse. From representative lesions, tissue specimens were sampled for histological and bacteriological examination. Moreover, in seven problem cases immunohistochemistry was applied for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus and Arcanobacterium pyogenes. Udder lesions were recorded in 67 sows (10.5%), with mammary complex no. 7 being most frequently affected (39%). In most cases (81%), lesions were restricted to a single mammary complex. Gross lesions were characterized as focal or multiple abscesses, which most often (79%) were accompanied by dermal ulcerations. Based on histological observations and bacterial identification, two groups of lesions were identified: (I) pyogranulomatous lesions of the dermal and subcutaneous tissue caused by S. aureus; and (II) dermal and subcutaneous abscesses dominated by A. pyogenes. In neither group I nor group II lesions, the glandular mammary tissue was involved as demonstrated by immunostaining for cytokeratin, i.e. mastitis was not diagnosed in any of the cases. In conclusion, all udder lesions were caused by skin infections predominantly caused by A. pyogenes and S. aureus resulting in the development of dermal abscesses and pyogranulomatous lesions, respectively.     

Tumors and tumor-like lesions in the genitalia of sows

Of a total of 1445 sows, tumors were detected in the uterus of 11 animals and in the cervix/vagina of 1 animal. Tumor-like lesions were detected in the ovary of 56 animals. The incidence of tumors was higher than that mentioned in the literature, possibly because of the relatively high age of the sows (mean parity of 6.8) and the accuracy of investigation. Several tumors would not have been detected during routine slaughter examination. The uterine tumors were diagnosed as leiomyoma (6), fibroma (3), cyst-adenoma (1) and fibro-leiomyoma (1). The cervical/vaginal tumor appeared to be a fibroma. The ovarian lesions could not be satisfactorily classified. They consisted of connective tissue, blood vessels, and granulosa cells, which were present in variable quantities in different ovaries and in different sides of the same ovary. Sows with tumors were older than the mean determined age at slaughter (parity 6.8). Sows with uterine and cervical/vaginal tumors had a parity of 11.6; sows with ovarian lesions had a parity of 9.0. Sows with uterine- or a cervical/vaginal tumor were often slaughtered for infertility reasons.     

Osteochondrosis of the elbow joint in young dogs

Osteochondrosis is a failure of the normal process of endochondral ossification. In the elbow joint there are three manifestations of osteochondrosis, namely osteochondritis dissecans of the medial condyle of the humerus, ununited coronoid process and ununited anconeal process. This paper describes a series of sixty-eight cases diagnosed at a referral centre over a 10-year period. Ununited coronoid process and OCD of the medial condyle are not readily diagnosed because the lesions are difficult to demonstrate radiographically, but signs of degenerative joint disease of the elbow in young dogs of the medium to large breeds is strongly suggestive. Surgical treatment is indicated and the surgical approach to the medial aspect of the joint is described.     

The effects of limb posture on relationships between in vitro radial hoof strain,load and joint angles

Reasons for performing study: Radial strain in normal hooves has been found to vary with strain gauge location, limb posture and sample limb but reported magnitudes were considered to be low. More accurate measurement of radial strain may enhance the understanding of hoof function. Objectives: To explore in vitro radial hoof strain in relation other kinetic and kinematic variables that may be related. Methods: Five normal forelimbs were removed at the proximal articular surface of the third metacarpal bone (McIII). The limbs were loaded using a modified Instron test machine. Six calibrated infrared cameras captured movement from markers on the hoof and bone fixed markers on the second and first phalanxes and McIII, whilst radial hoof strain was measured using a calibrated instrumented plug. Change in strain, joint angle and load were found at simulated walking postures and bivariate correlations were used to compare the relationships between them. Results: Radial strain was moderately correlated with proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) rotation (r =?0.519). Large reductions in radial strain were found in loading and midstance with 10° of heel lift postures. Conclusions and potential relevance: PIPJ rotation has previously been linked to the magnitude of deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) loads and it is therefore suspected that these loads may have the greatest influence on radial strain magnitudes. Further investigation of radial strain is needed to describe the patterns fully during the stance phase in vivo.     

Prevalences of welfare-related lesions at post-mortem meat-inspection in Danish sows

We investigated the prevalences and intercorrelations of all daily meat-inspection recordings at four Danish sow abattoirs in the year 2000 from 23,794 sows coming from 207 sow or farrow-to-finisher herds. The meat-inspection data were obtained from databases at the Danish Bacon and Meat Council (DBMC). Prevalences generally were low—but large herd-to-herd variations were seen. Despite low prevalences, many slaughtered sows had recordings which raise welfare concerns. Intercorrelations between the meat-inspection recordings were evaluated using exploratory factor analysis describing underlying latent factors related to health and welfare problems within herds.     

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.     

Biomechanics of the normal and abnormal hip joint.

Static analysis of the canine hip has given some insight to the nature and trend of the force and subsequent stress that is normally applied to the joint. Using the static model, the magnitude and direction of force and stress worsens in the hip with the anatomic and stability changes associated with CHD. More sophisticated dynamic models that take into account unbalanced forces and moments with the resultant motion are needed to better understand the mechanics of the hip joint.     

The ligaments and sesamoid bones of knee joint in New Zealand rabbits

This study has been conducted on the knee joints of the New Zealand rabbits. A total of 20 knee joints from 10 (five female, five male) adult New Zealand rabbits were studied in the study. Fourteen ligaments and four sesamoid bones including the patellar bone, the infrapatellar adipose body, and the suprapatellar cartilage specifically present in rabbits were grossly observed. The caudal meniscotibial ligaments of the lateral meniscus were noted to be lacking in these rabbits. Moreover, the medial collateral ligament did not have a capsular character in nature. Thus, adipose tissue was determined at a point where the suprapatellar cartilage and patella fused.     

Effect of humeral osteotomy on joint surface contact in canine elbow joints

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of sliding and wedge osteotomies of the humerus on the joint surface contact areas in anatomically normal elbow joints of dogs. SAMPLE POPULATION: Left thoracic limbs from 5 skeletally mature mixed-breed canine cadavers. PROCEDURE: Joint casting was performed by placement of colored polymethylmethacrylate in the elbow joint cavity followed by loading in a materials testing system at physiologic angle and load. Joint casting was performed in unaltered specimens, after 10 degrees medial opening wedge osteotomy, and after lateral sliding osteotomy of the proximal portion of the humerus. Computer-aided analysis of photographs of proximal radial and ulnar articular surfaces after each casting procedure was performed. RESULTS: The lateral sliding humeral osteotomy and 10 degrees medial opening wedge osteotomy significantly altered joint surface contact regions of the canine elbow joint. Osteotomies resulted in a reduction in the size of the radial, ulnar, and combined radioulnar contact areas. Both osteotomies also resulted in craniolateral migration of the radial contact area and craniomedial recession of the ulnar contact area. Although the reduction in ulnar contact area with these treatments is consistent with our hypotheses, the reduction in radial contact area was not anticipated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Humeral osteotomies alter joint surface contact areas of the canine elbow joint in vitro. Humeral osteotomies may decrease contact areas on the diseased region of the joint in dogs with elbow dysplasia; however, the overall decrease in joint surface contact area suggests that these procedures may induce focal increases in pressure that may cause iatrogenic cartilage damage when applied in vivo.     

Field study of hind limb claw lesions and claw measures in sows

We investigated the associations of hind limb claw lesions with claw measures and reproductive performance of sows on a commercial breeding farm. We used a five‐point scale (score of 0–4) for each hind limb claw region to generate a claw lesion score (CLS). Of 110 sows, 1.8% had no hind claw lesions, and the remaining 98.2% had at least one. The proportions of sows with a CLS of 2 and 3 were 49.1% and 3.6%, respectively. The junction region had the highest frequency of a CLS of ≥ 2 (P < 0.05). The mean toe length was 45.0 ± 0.4 to 46.4 ± 0.4 mm. Sows with the highest CLS of ≥ 2 in the lateral claw had longer sole dimensions than did sows with the highest CLS of ≤ 1 (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in claw width or height between sows with the highest CLS of ≥ 2 and ≤ 1. There was also no difference in reproductive performance between sows with the highest CLS of ≥ 2 and ≤ 1. In conclusion, most sows had hind claw lesions. The association between CLS and claw measures indicates that the sole length can be used as an indicator of claw lesions.     

Ruptured capsule of the elbow joint of a draught horse

A cyst filled with fluid was found to be the cause of an enlarged antebrachium in a horse. Communication between the cyst and the elbow joint was demonstrated by: 1) finding, during radiographic examination of the elbow, radiopaque contrast solution instilled into elbow joint within the cyst; 2) finding cytological values in fluid aspirated from the cyst that were similar to those in fluid aspirated from the elbow joint; and 3) finding hyperechoic foci, assumed to be air bubbles, during ultrasonographic examination of the cyst after administration of air into the elbow joint. Communication of the cyst with the elbow joint was confirmed during post mortem examination of the affected limb.     

Malformation of the elbow joint in an Afghan hound litter

An abnormal development of the elbow joint in an Afghan Hound litter is described. Four out of nine littermates showed abnormalities on radiographs. Incongruity between the joint surfaces of the radius/ulna and the humérus were demonstrated in three of the dogs, while in the fourth, a calcified body was found in front of the joint space in both elbows. No account of a similar defect could be found in the literature. Résumé. On a déterminé par diagnostic clinique deux cas d'insuffisance primaire adrénale chez le chien, en corrélationnant les signes non-spécifiques de vomissement, diarrhée, anorexie et faiblesse musculaire avec un déséquilibre d'électrolytes du sang d'hyponatrémie et d'hyperkaliémie. L'amélioration clinique chez les deux chiens, après l'administration de stéroïdes a, de plus, donné appui à ce diagnostic. Les signes cliniques chez les deux chiens ont été associés avec une destruction primaire des tissus adrénocorticaux. Zusammenfassung. Zwei Fälle von primärer adrenaler Insuffizienz waren klinisch diagnostiziert in dem man die unspezifischen Anzeichen von Erbrechen, Durchfall, Anorexie und Muskelschwäche korrelierte mit Blutelektrolyte Ungleichheiten von Hyponaträmie und Hyperkaliämie. Klinische Besserung in beiden Hunden nach Steroid Verabreichung bekräftigte weiter disse Diagnose. Die klinischen Anzeichen in beiden Hunden waren mit primärer Zerstörung des Adreno-corticogewebes verbunden.     

Evaluation of gait kinetics in puppies with coxofemoral joint laxity

OBJECTIVE: To characterize ground reaction forces (GRFs) and determine whether there were correlations between forces and passive coxofemoral joint laxity in puppies. ANIMALS: Fifty-one 16-week-old hound-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: Force-plate gait evaluation and distraction radiographic imaging were performed. Ground reaction forces evaluated included x (mediolateral), y (craniocaudal breaking and propulsion), and z (vertical) peak force and impulse. Z-plane limb loading and unloading rates, loading interval, and weight distribution and y-plane stance time breaking and propulsion percentages were calculated. One-way ANOVA with the Duncan multiple range test was used to evaluate differences in gait variables among limbs. The relationships of left, right, highest, and mean distraction index (DI) with individual limb data of each dog were evaluated with the Spearman rank correlation. Left and right DIs were compared by means of linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean +/- SEM DI was 0.67 +/- 0.02. Left and right DIs were strongly correlated, but there were no significant relationships between DIs and gait variables. Most fore- and hind limb gait variables differed significantly, whereas paired fore- and hind limb gait variables did not. Asymmetry was most pronounced in the x- and y-planes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: GRFs were consistent with those of clinically normal mature dogs, supporting an absence of association between GRF and DI in young dogs. The GRFs and elucidation of the relationship between GRFs and DI may be useful for future studies in immature dogs.     

Some aspects of the radiographical examination of the canine elbow joint

A radiological method of examining the elbow joint of the dog is described with particular reference to conditions which result in osteoarthrosis. The importance of taking oblique projections for the diagnosis of osteochondritis dissecans of the distal humerus and ununited medial coronoid process of the ulna is discussed.     

The surgical management of elbow joint deformity associated with premature growth plate closure in dogs

Two clinical cases are described, with premature closure of the growth plate of the distal ulna in one and of the distal radius in the other. Radical resection of the distal ulna was carried out to remove the 'bow–string' effect in premature closure of the distal ulna. The associated elbow joint deformities were corrected by moving the radius relative to the ulna. This was achieved by placing transverse pins in the bones, and connecting these externally with elastic.     

Use of arthroscopy for debridement of the elbow joint in cats

Arthroscopy was used to identify and remove loose osteochondral fragments detected in the region of the medial coronoid processes in the elbow joints of a cat that was lame in both forelimbs. The cat had clinical signs and arthroscopic lesions similar to those seen in dogs with fragmented medial coronoid processes. Moderate osteoarthritis was observed radiographically. Lameness resolved 2 weeks after removal of the fragments and was not detected for 2 years after surgery. No obvious progression of the osteoarthritis in the elbow joints was detected radiographically 2 years after surgery.