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.     

Puncture of shoulder, elbow, and carpal joints in goats and sheep

The forelimbs joints and bones of 16 normal goats and sheep were studied to determine optimal injection techniques for the shoulder, elbow, and carpal joints. Based on the findings, trial injections of marker substances were made in 8 anesthetized animals. The joints were then dissected and rates of success were determined, and they were 88% of shoulder, 87% of elbow, 94% of radiocarpal, and 81% of midcarpal and carpometacarpal joints.     

Injection technique and arthrography of the shoulder, elbow and carpal joints of the cat]

Nine cats were available for the present trial. Six thoracic limbs were dissected without any previous treatment. In the remaining twelve thoracic limbs, each articular space was injected with silicone and then fixed with a 5% formalin solution before being submitted to dissection. For the radiological examination ten adult cats were available and arthrographs were taken in two axial planes of each joint. The elbow-joints of six additional cats were injected with six differently formulated contrast media. Radiographs were taken at different time intervals: instantly, five and ten minutes after intraarticular injection. The quality of the contrast and clarity of the structures are discussed. A lateral and a cranial location for injection are described for shoulder-joint, as well as a caudolateral and a craniolateral location for the elbow. A dorsal injection location is recommended for the antebrachiocarpal articulation and the middle carpal articulation. The injection sides described are discussed comparing them with those taken from the literature on dogs and cats. The results obtained from arthrograms are compared with data from literature on dogs. The radiographs of the elbow show clear differences in quality depending on the contrast medium used and on time between injection and exposure. As a result, recommendations can be made for suitable contrast media for arthrograms of the shoulder-, elbow- and carpal-joint in cats. Further, it is recommended that radiographs should be taken not later than five minutes after injection of the contrast media.     

Osteochondrosis of the elbow: a review of the pathogenesis and a new approach to treatment

SUMMARY To test the hypothesis that joint incongruity contributes to the pathogenesis of elbow osteochondrosis, the left and right radius and ulna of 20 young large breed dogs were measured to determine any variation in length and to observe any incongruity of the elbow joint. Both lame and normal dogs were included in the study. Nine of the 20 dogs had marked disparity in radial and ulnar lengths yet only one had obvious elbow joint incongruity. The use of a sliding osteotomy for the treatment of fragmented coronoid process and a lengthening osteotomy for the treatment of an ununited anconeal process is also discussed. All four dogs treated with a sliding osteotomy showed a marked clinical improvement, and two of the three dogs treated with a lengthening osteotomy showed radiographic fusion of the anconeal process.     

Hygroma of the elbow in dogs.

Two serious complications-infection and skin ulceration-have been associated with the treatment of elbow hygromas in large and giant breed dogs. Infection in 3 dogs followed the injection of a corticosteroid preparation into the cavity of the hygroma. Skin ulceration developed in 6 dogs following excision of the hygroma and wound breakdown. These skin ulcers were eventually closed by a simple reconstructive procedure. It is recommended that hygromas should not be treated by aspiration and injection of corticosteroid preparations, or by excision. A simple drainage procedure was used successfully in the treatment of 18 hygromas.     

Effect of computed tomography display window and image plane on diagnostic certainty for characteristics of dysplastic elbow joints in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of computed tomography (CT) image plane and window settings on diagnostic certainty for CT characteristics associated with dysplastic elbow joints (elbow joint dysplasia) in dogs and to provide optimal display guidelines for these CT characteristics. SAMPLE POPULATION: CT images of 50 dysplastic elbow joints from 49 lame dogs and 10 elbow joints from 5 sound dogs. PROCEDURES: CT image data were obtained in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes. Each plane was examined by use of 3 Hounsfield unit (HU) window settings. Two veterinary radiologists independently evaluated sets of CT images for evidence of 7 CT characteristics. Effect of elbow joint status, image plane, and window settings on diagnostic certainty for these CT characteristics was tested by use of a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Diagnostic certainty for abnormalities of the medial coronoid process (MCP) and radial incisure was highest in the transverse plane, subchondral defects or sclerosis of the trochlea humeri was highest in the dorsal plane, and joint incongruity was highest in the sagittal plane. Certainty for hypoattenuating subchondral defects or fissures was highest at 2,500 or 3,500 HUs, whereas certainty for subchondral sclerosis was highest at 1,500 HUs and lowest at 3,500 HUs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diagnostic certainty for CT characteristics of elbow joint dysplasia in dogs was affected by image display variables. Diagnostic certainty for altered subchondral bone density was primarily influenced by window settings, whereas structural MCP abnormalities and joint incongruity were influenced most by image plane.     

Traumatic elbow luxation in 14 dogs and 11 cats

Objective To report the presentation and treatment of traumatic elbow luxation and to evaluate success following closed or open reduction. Design Retrospective case series conducted between April 1999 and April 2009. Methods Records of 14 dogs and 11 cats were reviewed for signalment, history, radiographic findings and treatment; 14 owners were contacted via phone questionnaire to assess for limb function following treatment. Fisher's two‐tailed P test was used to evaluate potential risk factors for lameness. Results The majority of luxations were caused by car accident and 96% of the cases luxated in a lateral direction. Closed reduction was successful in all cats and 11 dogs; 3 dogs required open reduction. Owners rated the animals' limb function as excellent (71%), good (7%), fair (22%) or poor (0%). All cats were rated excellent. An excellent result following closed reduction was achieved in 67% of canine cases. All cases of open reduction achieved fair results. All owners were satisfied with the outcome. No risk factors were significantly associated with post‐reduction lameness. Conclusions Elbow joints with good stability following closed reduction have a favourable outcome. Poor stability following closed reduction is an indication for surgery. Results suggest that cats tolerate elbow luxation better than dogs.     

Clinico-pathological aspects of osteoarthritis of the shoulder in dogs

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder was discovered in twelve canine cadavers during an extensive survey that was primarily conducted to study stifle arthritis. Clinical, radiographic and pathological aspects of the shoulder arthropathies are described. The significance of these lesions in the aetiology of shoulder lameness and difficulties associated with their diagnosis are discussed. Résumé. On a observé une ostéoarthrite de l'épaule chex douze cadavres canins pendant une étude poussée qui était en principe menée pur étudier l'arthrite du grasset. On décrit les aspects cliniques, radiographiques et pathologiques de l'arthropathie de l'épaule. On discute de la signification de ces lésions dans l'aetiologie du rhumatisme de l'épaule et des difficultés associées avec leur diagnostic. Zusammenfassung. Osteoarthritis der Schulter fand man in zwǒlf Hundekadavern wàhrend eines umfassenden ǔberlicks der hauptsàchlich ausgefùhrt wurde, um Kniescheibenarthritis zu studieren. Klinische, radiographische und pathologische Ansichten uber Schulter-Arthrosis-deformans sing beschrieben. Die Bedeutung dieser Làsionen in der ǎtiologie von Schulterlahmheit und Schwierigkeiten, die mit ihrer Diagnose verbun den sind, werden diskutiert.     

Radiographic findings of the medial humeral epicondyle in 200 canine elbow joints

Objectives: To determine the frequency and radiographic aspect of medial humeral epicondylar lesions as a primary or concomitant finding and to evaluate the association with osteoarthritis. Methods: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with elbow lameness were reviewed. Inclusion criteria for this study were a complete clinical examination, a complete set of digital radiographs and a final diagnosis made by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy. Changes of the medial humeral epicondyle were recorded and correlated with the radiographic osteoarthritis and final diagnosis. Results: Eighty of the 200 elbows showed changes of the medial humeral epicondyle. In 12 of these 80 elbows, changes of the medial epicondyle were the only findings within the joint, and these elbows were diagnosed with primary flexor enthesopathy. In the remaining 68 elbows, other concomitant elbow pathologies were found. In those cases of concomitant epicondylar changes, high grades of osteoarthritis were recorded, while most elbows with primary flexor enthesopathy showed a low grade of osteoarthritis. Clinical significance: Changes of the medial humeral epicondyle are often considered clinically unimportant and are regarded as an expression of osteoarthritis. This study showed the relatively frequent presence of epicondylar changes of which the majority were considered concomitant to a primary elbow problem. If changes of the medial humeral epicondyle are the only pathologic finding (primary flexor enthesopathy) they should be considered as the cause of lameness and not as a sign of osteoarthritis.     

Genetic evaluation of elbow angles as predictors of elbow dysplasia in German shepherd dogs

Elbow angles were measured in X-rays of both elbows to elucidate the usefulness of such data for selecting against elbow dysplasia (ED) in German shepherd dogs. These measurements record the size, proportions and alignments of the anconeal process (PA), the radius (RA), the olecranon (OL), and the ulnar trochlear notch (UL). The reference system for evaluating the information content of the measurements was the score for ED (ED-SV) as recommended by the International Elbow Working Group. Data from 2645 X-rayed dogs born from 1998 to 2001 in 1331 kennels were analysed by using residual maximum likelihood procedures to estimate heritabilities, additive genetic correlations and residual correlations. The pedigree file included 11,426 dogs and contained ancestors for up to six generations. ED-SV was significantly influenced by sex, by age within sex and by month of birth. The elbow angles were significantly influenced by the month and year of birth, X-ray positioning of the dog's forelimbs, angle of elbow flection, litter size and number of dogs X-rayed by the veterinary practitioners. The following heritability estimates were found: h2=0.18+/-0.04 for ED; h2=0.76+/-0.04 for OL; h2=0.52+/-0.05 for PA; h2=0.50+/-0.04 for UL; and h2=0.39+/-0.04 for RA. The additive genetic correlations of ED-SV with three elbow angles (OL, UL and RA) were close to zero. A higher additive genetic correlation to ED-SV was found only for PA, for which r(g)=0.31. The distributions of predicted breeding values for susceptibility to ED were not affected by regarding the elbow angles as additional traits in the multivariate prediction procedure. Measurements of elbow angles were thus shown to be unsuitable for use in selection programmes against ED in German shepherd dogs.     

Computed tomographic osteoabsorptiometry of the elbow joint in clinically normal dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate subchondral bone density patterns in elbow joints of clinically normal dogs by use of computed tomographic (CT) osteoabsorptiometry. SAMPLE POPULATION: 20 cadaver forelimbs from 10 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: Each elbow joint was imaged in parasagittal and transverse planes of 1.5-mm thickness. Slice data were converted to dipotassium phosphate equivalent density (PPED) values. Sagittal, parasagittal, and transverse medial coronoid process topographic maps were constructed. Defined zones were created for each of the 3 CT planes, and confluence and peak PPED values were determined. RESULTS: The lowest PPED value was 340 mg/ml (articular and subchondral confluence), and the highest was 1780 mg/ml (peak subchondral density). Detectable effects of joint laterality were not found in the confluence or peak PPED measurements or in the peak-to-confluence PPED ratio for all 3 CT planes. Significant differences were found among zones in all 3 planes for confluence and peak PPED measurements and between sagittal and transverse planes for peak-to-confluence PPED ratios. Subjectively, the pattern of density distribution among dogs was fairly consistent for the sagittal and parasagittal slices. Three specific patterns of density distribution were apparent on the transverse topographic maps of the medial coronoid process that corresponded to conformational differences. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of CT osteoabsorptiometry provides a repeatable technique that can be used to noninvasively examine bone density and the effects of stress acting on joints in vivo. Variability in density values for any of the CT planes was not identified among clinically normal dogs.     

Clinical radiographical and pathological aspects of arthritis of the elbow joint in dogs

A survey of 120 Persian Shepherd stray dogs collected from the City of Shiraz was carried out in the Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Pahlavi University, primarily for the purpose of establishing the incidence and aspects of elbow joint arthritis. In thirteen dogs arthritic changes were discovered in either one or both joints. The age and sex incidence of affected dogs is noted and the clinical, radio-graphical and pathological aspects of the condition, together with the changes discovered following maceration, are described and discussed. Résumé. On a fait, dans le Service des Etudes Cliniques, Ecole Vétérinaire de Médecine, Université de Pahlavi, une étude de 120 chiens de berger, persans, chiens errants ramassés dans la cité de Shiraz. Cette étude a été faite principalement dans le but d'établir l'incidence et les aspects de l'arthrite de l'articulation du coude. On avait découvert des changements arthritiques chez treize chiens soit dans une ou soit dans les deux articulations. L'incidence de l'âge et du sexe des chiens affectés est notée. On décrit et on discute des aspects cliniques, radio-graphiques et pathologiques de la condition de même que les changements découverts suivant la macération. Zusammenfassung. Ein Überblick von 120 streunenden persischen Schäferhunden, von der Stadt Shiraz aufgesammelt, wurde von der Abteilung für Klinische Studien, Schule der Tierärztlichen Medizin, Pahlavi Universität, ausgefürht - hauptsächlich für den Zweck, um das Vorkommen und die Aspekte von Ellbogengelenkarthritis festzustellen. In 13 Hunden entdeckte man arthritische Veränderungen in entweder einem oder beiden Gelenken. Das Alterund Geschlechtovorkommen und die klinischen, radiographischen und pathologischen Aspekte der Kondition, zusammen mit den Veränderungen die man nach Mazeration entdeckte, sind beschrieben und diskutiert.