MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF PRIMARY AND CONCOMITANT FLEXOR ENTHESOPATHY IN THE CANINE ELBOW

Flexor enthesopathy is a recently recognized elbow disorder in dogs and considered to be an important differential diagnosis for elbow lameness. Primary and concomitant forms of the disease have been previously described and treatments differ for the two forms. The goal of this prospective study was to compare magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for dogs with primary flexor enthesopathy (n = 17), concomitant flexor enthesopathy (n = 23), elbow dysplasia alone (n = 13), and normal elbows (n = 7). Each elbow joint underwent MRI using the same low‐field scanner. Sequences included transverse and sagittal T1‐weighted (before and after IV contrast), transverse and sagittal T2‐weighted, and dorsal STIR. For each elbow, MRI lesions were recorded based on a consensus of two observers unaware of group status. Magnetic resonance imaging lesions involving flexor tendons were found in 100% of clinically affected joints with primary flexor enthesopathy and 96% of clinically affected joints with concomitant flexor enthesopathy. Thickened flexor muscles were the most common lesions, followed by hyperintense tendon signal and contrast enhancement. Irregular, thickened medial humeral epicondyle, edema, and calcified body lesions were less frequently observed. Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of flexor enthesopathy were not found in normal joints or those affected by elbow dysplasia alone. No significant differences in frequencies and details of individual MRI characteristics were found between primary and concomitant flexor enthesopathy groups. Findings indicated that MRI is a sensitive technique for detection of flexor enthesopathy lesions in dogs, however, MRI characteristics do not allow differentiation of primary versus concomitant forms of the disease.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF CANINE ELBOW JOINTS AFFECTED BY PRIMARY AND CONCOMITANT FLEXOR ENTHESOPATHY

Flexor enthesopathy is an important differential diagnosis for elbow lameness in dogs. The disorder can be a primary cause of elbow lameness or concomitant with other elbow pathology. Since treatment differs for primary and concomitant forms of flexor enthesopathy, a noninvasive method for distinguishing between them is needed. In the current prospective study, computed tomographic (CT) examination was performed before and after IV injection of contrast in 17 dogs with primary flexor enthesopathy, 24 dogs with concomitant flexor enthesopathy, 13 dogs with elbow dysplasia, and seven normal dogs. Dogs were assigned to groups based on results of clinical examination and at least three other imaging modalities. Computed tomographic lesions consistent with flexor enthesopathy were found in all clinically affected joints with primary flexor enthesopathy and in 29 of the 30 clinically affected joints with concomitant flexor enthesopathy. Those lesions were not found in sound elbows or joints affected by elbow dysplasia. Flexor lesions detected in dogs with primary flexor enthesopathy were not significantly different from those detected in dogs with the concomitant form. Findings indicated that CT can be applied to detect flexor enthesopathy, but a distinction between the primary and concomitant forms was not always possible. Authors recommend the use of multiple diagnostic techniques for treatment planning in affected dogs.     

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.     

Additional palmaroproximal–palmarodistal oblique radiographic projections improve accuracy of detection and characterization of equine flexor cortical lysis

Radiographic flexor cortical lysis indicates advanced degenerative change and its earlier recognition may improve case outcome. Aims of this prospective, diagnostic accuracy study were to determine effects of radiographic beam angle and observer on accuracy of lesion detection. The sample included 36 limbs from 31 horses. Palmaroproximal–palmarodistal oblique (skyline) radiographs were acquired at standard (n = 38) and more shallow (alternate) angles (n = 58). Images were independently reviewed by four experience levels of five observers each (n = 20) for the presence and severity of flexor cortical lysis. Observers also reported their confidence in these answers. Responses were compared based on seeing a standard skyline or multiple projections. The definitive presence (or absence) and severity of lysis was based upon radiologist consensus agreement. When assessed by observer, the identification of lysis and the assessment of its severity was most similar to that of radiologists when observers of all levels of experience were able to view multiple skyline projections (P = 0.399, P = 0.174). Using multiple views to detect lysis resulted in improved sensitivity (85.3% vs. 97.2%, P < 0.001), decreased specificity (82.8% vs. 74.5%, P = 0.03), and improved interobserver agreement (86.0% vs. 90.2%, P = 0.21). On average, observers of all levels of experience became more confident viewing multiple projections (P < 0.001). Skyline radiographs using a flatter angle of incidence improve radiographic detection and characterization of flexor cortical lysis severity, may allow the beam to be tangential to the more distal portion of the navicular bone, and are recommended when flexor cortical lysis is suspected.     

RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE CANINE ELBOW JOINT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE MEDIAL HUMERAL CONDYLE AND THE MEDIAL CORONOID PROCESS

The results of radiographic examination of clinically affected elbow joints in 14 young, large-breed dogs, including standard and oblique projections and linear tomography, were compared with the findings of medial arthrotomy. Radiographs revealed arthrosis (13 dogs), osteochondrosis of the medial humeral condyle (2 dogs), fragmentation of the medial coronoid process (5 dogs), and a combination of osteochondrosis of the medial humeral condyle and fragmentation of the medial coronoid process (2 dogs). In one dog fissures in the medial coronoid process and in another dog a linear radiopacity along the articular surface of the medial coronoid process were found. In three dogs both medial humeral condyle and medial coronoid process appeared normal. The radiographic findings were confirmed during surgery in 11 dogs. Cartilage erosion of the medial humeral condyle in two dogs and of the medial coronoid process in one dog had not resulted in radiographically visible abnormalities. Radiographic examination of the elbow joints in young, large-breed dogs should include standard mediolateral and craniocaudal projections, a mediolateral projection with the joint maximally extended and the leg supinated 15°, and a craniolateral-to-caudomedial projection.     

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.     

Canine elbow dysplasia and primary lesions in German shepherd dogs in France

Five hundred and twenty German shepherd dogs were screened for elbow dysplasia. The following primary lesions were analysed: joint incongruity (JI), fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP), osteochondrosis or osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle and ununited anconeal process (UAP). Three radiographic views were used for each joint to achieve a definitive diagnosis. The prevalence of elbow dysplasia was 19.4 per cent. The most frequent lesion was JI (16.3 per cent), followed by FCP (11.3 per cent). UAP was diagnosed rarely (1.1 per cent). Combinations of lesions were very frequent (42.2 per cent of the dysplastic elbows). Although these results may be biased due to prescreening of dogs with UAP, it should be highlighted that JI and FCP occur frequently in German shepherd dogs and are probably the most common primary lesions of elbow dysplasia, although they have been under-reported until now.     

BONE SCINTIGRAPHY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF AN ABNORMAL MEDIAL CORONOID PROCESS IN DOGS

Few reports have been published regarding the use of scintigraphy in the diagnosis of elbow joint lameness in dogs. Some authors have speculated about the potential use of bone scintigraphy and its suspected high sensitivity for the early diagnosis of abnormalities of the medial coronoid process (MCP) in dogs. Scintigraphy is used routinely in our institution in dogs presented for thoracic limb lameness and/or suspected of abnormalities of the MCP when radiographic findings were equivocal. Radiographic, scintigraphic, and surgical findings of the elbow joints of 17 dogs with elbow joint lameness were compared with radiographic, scintigraphic, and necropsy findings of the elbow joints of 12 clinically healthy Labrador Retrievers. Quantitative evaluation of scintigraphic images was performed to determine relative radiopharmaceutical uptake in the region of the MCP. Maximum relative uptake of the coronoid process in the normal dogs was taken as a threshold value to classify elbows as positive or negative for an abnormal MCP after all 24 elbows of the 12 healthy dogs were confirmed as being normal at necropsy. All 17 elbows from lame dogs were positive on scintigraphy and confirmed as having chondromalacia, a fissure, or fragmentation of the MCP. Based on our results, bone scintigraphy may be a valuable diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of abnormalities of the MCP in dogs, and particularly in older dogs where clinical and radiographic changes may be ambiguous.     

The prevalence of medial coronoid process disease is high in lame large breed dogs and quantitative radiographic assessments contribute to the diagnosis

Medial coronoid process disease is a common leading cause of thoracic limb lameness in dogs. Computed tomography and arthroscopy are superior to radiography to diagnose medial coronoid process disease, however, radiography remains the most available diagnostic imaging modality in veterinary practice. Objectives of this retrospective observational study were to describe the prevalence of medial coronoid process disease in lame large breed dogs and apply a novel method for quantifying the radiographic changes associated with medial coronoid process and subtrochlear‐ulnar region in Labrador and Golden Retrievers with confirmed medial coronoid process disease. Purebred Labrador and Golden Retrievers (n = 143, 206 elbows) without and with confirmed medial coronoid process disease were included. The prevalence of medial coronoid process disease in lame large breed dogs was calculated. Mediolateral and craniocaudal radiographs of elbows were analyzed to assess the medial coronoid process length and morphology, and subtrochlear‐ulnar width. Mean grayscale value was calculated for radial and subtrochlear‐ulnar zones. The prevalence of medial coronoid process disease was 20.8%. Labrador and Golden Retrievers were the most affected purebred dogs (29.6%). Elbows with confirmed medial coronoid process disease had short (P < 0.0001) and deformed (～95%) medial coronoid process, with associated medial coronoid process osteophytosis (7.5%). Subtrochlear‐ulnar sclerosis was evidenced in ～96% of diseased elbows, with a significant increase (P < 0.0001) in subtrochlear‐ulnar width and standardized grayscale value. Radial grayscale value did not differ between groups. Periarticular osteophytosis was identified in 51.4% of elbows with medial coronoid process disease. Medial coronoid process length and morphology, and subtrochlear‐ulnar width and standardized grayscale value varied significantly in dogs with confirmed medial coronoid process disease compared to controls. Findings indicated that medial coronoid process disease has a high prevalence in lame large breed dogs and that quantitative radiographic assessments can contribute to the diagnosis.     

RADIOGRAPHIC LIVER SIZE IN PEKINGESE DOGS VERSUS OTHER DOG BREEDS

Differential diagnoses for canine liver disease are commonly based on radiographic estimates of liver size, however little has been published on breed variations. Aims of this study were to describe normal radiographic liver size in Pekingese dogs and to compare normal measurements for this breed with other dog breeds and Pekingese dogs with liver disease. Liver measurements were compared for clinically normal Pekingese (n = 61), normal non‐Pekingese brachycephalic (n = 45), normal nonbrachycephalic (n = 71), and Pekingese breed dogs with liver disease (n = 22). For each dog, body weight, liver length, T11 vertebral length, thoracic depth, and thoracic width were measured on right lateral and ventrodorsal abdominal radiographs. Liver volume was calculated using a formula and ratios of liver length/T11 vertebral length and liver volume/body weight ratio were determined. Normal Pekingese dogs had a significantly smaller liver volume/body weight ratio (16.73 ± 5.67, P < 0.05) than normal non‐Pekingese brachycephalic breed dogs (19.54 ± 5.03) and normal nonbrachycephalic breed dogs (18.72 ± 6.52). The liver length/T11 vertebral length ratio in normal Pekingese (4.64 ± 0.65) was significantly smaller than normal non‐Pekingese brachycephalic breed dogs (5.16 ± 0.74) and normal nonbrachycephalic breed dogs (5.40 ± 0.74). Ratios of liver volume/body weight and liver length/T11 vertebral length in normal Pekingese were significantly different from Pekingese with liver diseases (P < 0.05). Findings supported our hypothesis that Pekingese dogs have a smaller normal radiographic liver size than other breeds. We recommend using 4.64× the length of the T11 vertebra as a radiographic criterion for normal liver length in Pekingese dogs.     

Genetic analyses of elbow and hip dysplasia in the German shepherd dog

Results from radiographic screening for canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and elbow dysplasia (CED) of 48 367 German shepherd dogs born in 2001–07 were used for the population genetic analyses. Available information included CHD scores for 47 730 dogs, CED scores for 28 011 dogs and detailed veterinary diagnoses of primary ED lesions for a subsample of 18 899 dogs. Quasi‐continuous traits were CHD, CED and cases of CED without radiographically visible primary lesion (CED‐ARTH). Binary coding was used for fragmented medial coronoid process of the ulna (FCP), borderline findings and mild to severe signs of dysplasia in hip and elbow joints. Genetic parameters were estimated in univariate threshold and multivariate linear and mixed linear‐threshold models using Gibbs sampling. Correlations between univariately predicted breeding values (BV) indicated genetic differences between borderline and affected disease status for both CHD (r_BV = 0.5) and CED (r_BV = 0.3). Multivariate genetic analyses with separate consideration of borderline findings revealed moderate heritabilities of 0.2–0.3 for the quasi‐continuous traits with positive additive genetic correlation of 0.3 between CHD and both CED and CED‐ARTH. For FCP, heritability of 0.6 and additive genetic correlations of +0.1 to CHD and ?0.1 to CED‐ARTH were estimated. Results supported the relevant genetic determination of CHD and CED, argued for both diseases against interpretation of borderline findings as healthy and implied genetic heterogeneity of CED. Accordingly, future breeding strategies to reduce the prevalences of CHD and CED in the German shepherd dog should be most efficient when based on BV from multivariate genetic evaluation for CHD, CED‐ARTH and FCP with use of the whole scale of categories for classification of CHD and CED.     

RADIOGRAPHIC AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FINDINGS IN BELGIAN SHEPHERD DOGS WITH MILD ELBOW DYSPLASIA

We compared computed tomography (CT) and radiographic findings of Belgian shepherds with grade 1 or borderline elbow dysplasia to determine whether the radiopaque area dorsal to the anconeal process and seen in mediolateral 45° flexed radiographs is formed by osteophytes, or whether it is an anatomic variation. Eighteen dogs with screening results 0/1, 1/0, or one or both elbows graded as borderline were studied. The radiographs were evaluated according to International Elbow Working Group guidelines and compared with CT images. A fragmented medial coronoid process was seen in five joints, and remaining 31 joints were considered free of dysplasia based on CT images. In radiographs, height of the radiopaque area on the anconeal process was 0–2.7 mm in dysplastic and 0–3.0 mm in other joints. Sensitivity of this sign as dysplasia indicator was 40% and specificity 29%. All dysplastic joints and three of the other joints had blurring of the cranial edge of the medial coronoid process. Subtrochlear sclerosis was seen in four dysplastic joints and in three other joints. Both changes were significant indicators of dysplasia ( P <0.001). Sensitivity and specificity of these phenomena as dysplasia indicators were 80% and 90%, respectively. We conclude that the radiopaque area on the anconeal process might not always be osteophyte formation in Belgian shepherds and should not be used as the sole criterion for dysplasia. Blurring of the medial coronoid process cranial edge and ulnar trochlear notch sclerosis are reliable signs of elbow dysplasia and may be beneficial in screening protocols.     

Redefined type of elbow dysplasia involving calcified flexor tendons attached to the medial humeral epicondyle in three dogs

Three dogs were found to have calcified flexor tendons attached to the medial humeral epicondyle. There were 2 types of calcification: one was associated with elbow dysplasia, and a second resulted from traumatic separation of a portion of the medial humeral epicondyle.     

Efficacy of an oral hyaluronate and collagen supplement as a preventive treatment of elbow dysplasia

One hundred and five Labrador dogs were randomly divided into two groups to determine the number of animals that develop elbow dysplasia when treated with an oral supplement compared to untreated ones. Efficacy of the oral treatment was also evaluated once illness was diagnosed. The supplement (Hyaloral) contained hyaluronic acid, hydrolysed collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin sulphate, and gamma oryzanol. Clinical evaluation of the elbow joints was completed at months 3, 6, 12, and 20 by orthopaedic evaluations, radiography, serologic and blood analysis, and veterinarian evaluation of dysplasia symptoms. All side effects were recorded. In the control group, 33.3% of the dogs developed radiographic evidence of elbow dysplasia compared to 18.5% in the treated group. Symptoms of dysplasia at 12 months differed between the treated (12.5%) and control (61.5%) animals, and were significantly different at 20 months (p < 0.05). Differences in lameness along with movement and swelling of the elbows between groups were observed after 12 months. The treated group had improved significantly by the last visit (p < 0.05). No adverse side effects were reported. In conclusion, oral treatment with Hyaloral may have a potential cumulative action that provides protection against dysplasia and significantly improves symptoms of elbow dysplasia.     

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.     

Synovitis in dogs with stable stifle joints and incipient cranial cruciate ligament rupture: a cross-sectional study

Objective: To evaluate stifle joints of dogs for synovitis, before development of joint instability and cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR). Study Design: Cross‐sectional study. Animals: Dogs (n=16) with CrCLR and stable contralateral stifles; 10 control dogs with intact CrCL. Methods: Arthritis and tibial translation were graded radiographically. Synovitis severity and cruciate pathology were assessed arthroscopically. Presence of inflammatory cells in synovial membrane biopsies was scored histologically. CrCLR stifle pairs and control stifles were compared. Results: Radiographic evidence of arthritis, cranial tibial translation, and arthroscopic synovitis were increased in unstable stifles, when compared with stable contralateral stifles in CrCLR dogs (P<.05). Arthroscopic synovitis in both joints of CrCLR dogs was increased compared with controls, was correlated with radiographic arthritis (S_R=0.71, P<.05), and was present in all stable contralateral stifles. Arthroscopically, 75% of stable stifle joints had CrCL fiber disruption, which correlated with severity of synovitis (S_R=0.56, P<.05). Histologic evidence of synovitis was identified in all CrCLR dogs, but was only significantly correlated with arthroscopic observations in stable stifles (r²=0.57, P<.005). Conclusion: Synovitis is an early feature of the CrCLR arthropathy in dogs before development of joint instability clinically. Severity of synovitis is correlated with radiographic arthritis in joints with minimal to no clinically detectable CrCL damage.     

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION OF DYSPLASIA AND PROGRESSION OF OSTEOARTHRITIS IN DOG ELBOWS PREVIOUSLY ASSIGNED OFA GRADES 0 AND 1

Elbow dysplasia is a heritable disease that is a common cause of lameness and progressive elbow osteoarthritis in young large breed dogs. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screens elbow radiographs, and assigns grades 0–3 based on presence and severity of bony proliferation on the anconeal process. Grade 1 is assigned when less than 3 mm is present and considered positive for dysplasia. We investigated the incidence of elbow dysplasia and progression of osteoarthritis in elbows with grades 0 and 1 in 46 elbows screened at least 1 year previously, using CT as a gold standard and with the addition of CT absorptiometry. The incidence of dysplasia based on CT was 62% in grade 0, and 75% in grade 1 elbows, all of which had medial coronoid disease. Progressive osteoarthritis at recheck was consistent with elbow dysplasia. The sensitivity and specificity of the OFA grade for elbow dysplasia compared to CT findings was 75% and 38%, respectively. Increased bone mineral density of the medial coronoid process as characterized by osteoabsorptiometry warrants further investigation with respect to elbow dysplasia. Proliferation on the anconeal process without CT evidence of dysplasia or osteoarthritis was present in 20% of the elbows, and is theorized to be an anatomic variant or enthesopathy of the olecranon ligament/synovium. Results of our study suggest that the “anconeal bump” used for elbow screening by the OFA is a relatively insensitive characteristic, and support the use of CT for identifying additional characteristics of elbow dysplasia.     

Hip dysplasia in Estrela mountain dogs: prevalence and genetic trends 1991-2005

Three hundred and thirteen Estrela mountain dogs were examined for hip dysplasia (HD) using the standard ventrodorsal hip extended view, and graded into five categories (A, B, C, D and E) using the Fédération Cynologique Internationale’s (FCI) scoring system. The Ortolani method was performed to evaluate hip joint laxity. Pedigree information was obtained from the Portuguese Kennel Club and the genetic trend was evaluated by calculating the mean breeding values (BVs) for the last 15 years, using the threshold model.HD was found in 66% of the dogs. There was low-moderate correlation between the results of the Ortolani test and FCI hip scores (r_s = 0.386; P < 0.001). Grades of hip dysplasia were equal in both males and females (P = 0.14) and in the animals’ right and left sides (P = 0.51). The mean BVs for HD were stable in dogs born between 1991 and 2003, and showed an improvement in 2004 and 2005. The data confirm the high prevalence and severity of HD in predisposed breeds that do not have breeding programmes in place. It also confirms an initial favourable change in BVs that is a likely consequence of the voluntary radiographic hip-screening programme.     

Treatment of myeloid neoplasia with doxorubicin and cytarabine in 11 dogs

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) are primary myeloid neoplasms in dogs generally considered to have a poor outcome. In this study, we assessed toxicity, efficacy and outcome of concurrent administration of doxorubicin and cytarabine in 11 dogs with myeloid neoplasia. Bone marrow specimens were reviewed by three pathologists and classified as either MDS (n = 2), high grade MDS/early AML (MDS/AML; n = 4) or AML (n = 5). The median number of treatment cycles was 5 (range 1–9) and resolution of cytopenia was reported in 7 of 11 dogs including 2 dogs with MDS, 2 dogs with MDS/AML, and 3 dogs with AML. The median duration of remission in the seven responders was 344 days (range 109–1428) and the median overall survival for all dogs was 369 days. Adverse events consisted of predominantly low-grade gastrointestinal illness and myelosuppression. Three dogs developed grade V toxicity manifesting with heart failure (n = 2) at 369 and 1170 days after diagnosis and acute gastrointestinal side effects (n =1). Despite a limited sample size, these results suggest that a doxorubicin and cytarabine protocol may be considered as a therapeutic option in dogs with myeloid neoplasia. Protocol safety, in particular regarding myocardial toxicity, and efficacy should be further investigated.