Effects of postoperative administration of ketoprofen or carprofen on short- and long-term results of femoral head and neck excision in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether postoperative administration of ketoprofen or carprofen had any effects on short- or long-term results of femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. ANIMALS: 40 client-owned, large-breed dogs undergoing FHNE and 15 healthy large-breed dogs used as controls for hip joint angle measurements and force plate analyses. PROCEDURE: Dogs undergoing FHNE were treated with ketoprofen, carprofen, or a placebo for 21 days after surgery. Hip joint abduction and extension angles were measured at the end of surgery and 120 days later. Lameness scores were assigned, and force plate analyses were performed on days 3, 15, and 120. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among treatment groups in regard to hip joint angles or lameness scores. Force plate analysis revealed that dogs in all 3 treatment groups bore consistently less weight on the operated limb than did control dogs for the duration of the study. Dogs receiving ketoprofen had greater peak propulsive force at a walk on day 3 and greater peak vertical force at a walk on day 15 than did dogs receiving the placebo. Treatment of an acute condition and preservation of the lesser trochanter, but not postoperative analgesic administration, were positively associated with ground reaction forces on day 120. Owners of 12 of 31 dogs indicated that the dog's gait worsened for a few days after discontinuation of analgesic administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Administration of ketoprofen or carprofen after surgery was not associated with long-term results of FHNE, probably because of the impact of other factors. Because some owners noticed worsening of the lameness following cessation of analgesic administration in the present study, it is possible that longer administration would have improved long-term results.     

Effects of radial shockwave therapy on the limb function of dogs with hip osteoarthritis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of extracorporeal radial shock wave therapy on the hindlimb function of dogs suffering from hip osteoarthritis. Twenty-four client-owned dogs with hip osteoarthritis were investigated; 18 of them received radial shockwave therapy and six were left untreated as controls. Force plate analysis on a treadmill was used to assess the dogs' hindlimb function before treatment and four weeks after the last treatment, and the treated dogs were re-evaluated three and six months after the treatment. The parameters chosen for evaluation were peak vertical force and vertical impulse, and the calculated symmetry indices. In the treated dogs, differences between the ground reaction forces exerted by the right and left hindlegs disappeared four weeks after the treatment, whereas in the control dogs only the peak vertical force distribution changed significantly. The significant improvement in the treated dogs was confirmed by changes in the symmetry indices. Significant improvements in vertical impulse and peak vertical force were observed three months after the treatment.     

Force plate gait analysis at the walk and trot in dogs with low-grade hindlimb lameness.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of force plate gait analysis at the walk and trot in dogs with low-grade hindlimb lameness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen healthy dogs and 41 dogs with low-grade unilateral hindlimb lameness due to stifle or hip joint problems were walked and trotted over a force plate. Peak vertical forces (PVF) were recorded, and a symmetry index (SI) was calculated from the PVF of the hindlimbs. 'Cut-off' values were determined from the SI of the normal dogs. These cut-off values were used to discriminate lame dogs from normal ones. Sensitivity and specificity were evaluated for measurements at walk and trot, and the Cohen's Kappa coefficient (k) was used to determine the agreement between clinical lameness and force plate measurements, and between force plate results at walk and trot. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve were plotted for both gaits to evaluate accuracy. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the measurements at walk was 0.63, and specifity was 0.95. The sensitivity of the measurements at trot was 0.90, and specificity was 1.0. Moderate agreement was found between force plate measurements at walk and trot, and between clinical gait assessment and force plate measurements at walk. Good agreement was found between clinical gait assessment and measurements at trot. ROC analyses revealed the trot (94.7% [91.7%; 97.7%]) to be the more accurate test than the walk (85.0% [80.1%; 89.9%]). CONCLUSION: The trotting gait was more sensitive and accurate than the walking gait for the differentiation of dogs with a low-grade hindlimb lameness from normal ones using force plate gait analysis.     

Arthroscopic Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans in the Canine Shoulder

Twenty-three shoulders of 21 dogs were treated arthroscopically for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Thirteen dogs had bilateral lesions detectable radiographically; however, only two dogs had arthroscopic surgery on both shoulders. Arthroscopic procedures included removal of the osteochondral flap, curettage of the subchondral defect, and partial synovectomy. Fourteen dogs were using the treated limb within 1 day and eight dogs within 2 days, although some lameness may have persisted for several weeks. Force plate evaluation was effective for comparison of preoperative and postoperative mean peak force/body weight (PF/BW) values. Improvement was detected objectively in 9 of the 10 dogs returned for postoperative force plate analysis. All owners were satisfied with the cosmetic results and the rapid return to function.     

A Comparison of Two Surgical Approaches to the Scapulohumeral Joint in Dogs

Two scapulohumeral arthrotomy techniques were evaluated and compared in 10 normal, young adult greyhounds. A caudolateral approach with craniodorsal retraction of the teres minor muscle (no-tenotomy) and a craniolateral approach with tenotomy of the infraspinatus tendon were each performed unilaterally in 5 dogs. The dogs were evaluated using force plate gait analysis, lameness evaluation, radiography, and goniometry for 5 weeks and then euthanatized. Tenotomy sites and sections of the humeral articular cartilage were collected from shoulder joints that had been operated on and examined microscopically. The same surgical approach was then performed on the contralateral shoulder in the cadavers and exposure of the humeral articular cartilage was measured using planimetry. Peak vertical force applied to the operated limbs in the tenotomy group was significantly less than preoperative levels on day 3 and significantly less than the no-tenotomy group on days 21 and 28. The peak vertical force applied to the operated limbs in the no-tenotomy group was not significantly different from preoperative levels during the study. Scapulohumeral arthrotomy by tenotomy of the infraspinatus resulted in decreased range-of-motion and joint extension compared with joints operated on without tenotomies, but provided significantly greater exposure to the articular surface. Scapulohumeral arthrotomy with craniodorsal retraction of the teres minor muscle did not significantly alter goniometric measurements compared with unoperated joints. Both techniques resulted in similar subjective lameness scores and caused no gross microscopic or radiographic evidence of articular cartilage damage.     

Clinical evaluation of intertrochanteric osteotomy for treatment of dogs with early-stage hip dysplasia: 37 cases (1980-1987)

Between May 1980 and May 1987, intertrochanteric osteotomy was performed on 43 hips of 37 dogs (6 bilateral procedures) with early-stage hip dysplasia, with the objectives of improving hip biomechanics and reducing discomfort. Clinical evaluation consisted of: questionnaire, and/or orthopedic examination, and/or report from owner(s) via telephone. At least 1 form of evaluation was conducted for 42 of 43 hips (98%). On the basis of orthopedic examination findings, 27 of 33 hips (84%) were functionally good or normal at postoperative month 15 (on average). On the basis of owner report, 19 of 28 hips (68%) were functionally good or normal at postoperative month 11 (on average). On the basis of questionnaire data, 17 of 24 hips (70%) were functionally good or normal at postoperative year 1. Before surgery, only 11 of 37 hips (30%) had been evaluated as functionally good or normal. Of 36 owners, 33 (91.6%) reported that they would have the procedure performed again if the circumstances were the same. From the good to excellent clinical results, we concluded that intertrochanteric osteotomy is a beneficial treatment for dogs with early-stage hip dysplasia.     

Nonsurgically managed caudal acetabular fractures in dogs: 15 cases (1979-1984)

Medical records of 15 dogs with nonsurgically managed caudal one-third acetabular fractures were reviewed. In-hospital evaluation of these dogs was possible 6 to 67 months after injury. Thirteen dogs had radiographic evidence of moderate to severe degenerative joint disease in affected hips. Twelve dogs had decreased hip joint range of motion and/or signs of pain on the affected side, and 7 dogs were lame. Because of limited pain-free motion and degenerative joint disease in most affected hips, results of nonsurgical management of caudal one-third acetabular fractures in dogs were considered unsatisfactory.     

Evaluation of a method for experimental induction of osteoarthritis of the hip joints in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a method for experimental induction of osteoarthritis in the hip joints of dogs. ANIMALS: 12 mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: A unilateral triple pelvic osteotomy was performed. In 6 dogs, the iliac osteotomy was repaired with 45 degrees of internal rotation, reducing coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum. In the other 6 dogs, the fragments were repaired in anatomic alignment. Radiography, force plate evaluations, and subjective lameness evaluations were performed before and after surgery. Dogs were euthanatized 7 months after surgery, and samples of cartilage and joint capsule were examined histologically. RESULTS: Subjective lameness scores, radiographic appearance of the hip joints, and Norberg angles were not significantly different between groups; however, force plate evaluations did reveal significant differences in vertical ground reaction forces. Femoral head coverage was significantly decreased with rotation of the acetabulum. Mild inflammatory changes were discernible in the joint capsule and articular cartilage of some dogs in both groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that 45 degrees internal rotation of the acetabulum does not consistently induce biologically important osteoarthritic changes in the hip joints of dogs.     

Cementless Total Hip Replacement in an Alpaca

Objective— To report management of a chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in an alpaca using cementless total hip replacement (THR).
Study Design— Case report.
Animal— An 18-month-old, 47 kg alpaca male.
Methods— Cementless THR was performed in an alpaca with a chronic, right SCFE, and secondary osteoarthritis. Force plate gait analysis was performed before and 8 weeks after surgery. Outcome was determined through clinical evaluation, radiography, and force plate gait analysis.
Results— Cementless THR resulted in marked improvement in the alpaca's comfort level, degree of lameness, and range of motion. On preoperative force plate gait analysis there was decreased contact time ( P =.01) and vertical impulse ( P <.01) of the affected limb, whereas at 8 weeks postoperatively significant differences in gait analysis between pelvic limbs were not apparent.
Conclusion— THR using a BioMedtrix^® canine cementless modular prosthesis restored hip function in an alpaca with coxofemoral osteoarthritis from chronic SCFE.
Clinical Relevance— THR may be an appropriate treatment for selected traumatic and degenerative conditions of the coxofemoral joint in alpacas.     

PUPPY LINE, METAPHYSEAL SCLEROSIS, AND CAUDOLATERAL CURVILINEAR AND CIRCUMFERENTIAL FEMORAL HEAD OSTEOPHYTES IN EARLY DETECTION OF CANINE HIP DYSPLASIA

Ventrodorsal extended hip radiographs were analyzed from Foxhounds, Irish setters, Greyhounds, and Labrador retrievers radiographed four to seven times between 8 and 110 weeks of age. Occurrence in these 91 dogs of a puppy line, an ill-defined zone of proximal femoral metaphyseal sclerosis, a femoral neck linear sclerosis, or circumferential linear femoral head osteophytosis at 15–17 weeks of age were compared with hip joint laxity, as measured by distraction index, and to later findings of caudal curvilinear femoral neck osteophytes, circumferential femoral head osteophytes, hip incongruity consistent with hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease by 52 weeks of age. A puppy line and/or femoral metaphyseal sclerosis was common at 15–17 weeks of age for dogs at mimimal risk (Greyhounds) and high risk (Foxhounds) of developing early degenerative joint disease associated with canine hip dysplasia. Though 44% of Greyhound hips had puppy lines and 28% had femoral metaphyseal sclerosis at 15–17 weeks of age, no Greyhound had a caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte or circumferential femoral head osteophyte at 24–27 or 52 weeks of age. No significant relationship was found between occurrence of a puppy line, a circumferential femoral head osteophyte or femoral metaphyseal sclerosis at 15–17 weeks and canine hip dysplasia or degenerative joint disease incidence at 42–52 weeks. Presence of a caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte in at least one hip at 24–27 weeks was significantly related to the diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia by 42–52 weeks. When both a caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte and a circumferential femoral head osteophyte were present in a hip at 24–27 weeks, degenerative joint disease was evident in all such hips by 42–52 weeks of age.     

Efficacy of licofelone in dogs with clinical osteoarthritis

To evaluate the effect of licofelone, an arachidonic acid substrate with combined inhibitory activity against 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenases 1 and 2, a double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled study was conducted in 33 client-owned dogs that were lame owing to hindlimb osteoarthritis. Seventeen of the dogs received a placebo and 16 were treated with 2.5 mg/kg licofelone twice a day for 28 days. The dogs' lameness was assessed on a visual analogue scale (vas), and by force plate analyses at baseline and 14 and 28 days after starting the treatment. After 14 days the mean (se) change in peak vertical force in the licofelone-treated dogs (1.7 [0.8] per cent bodyweight) was significantly greater (P<0.05) than in the placebo-treated dogs (-0.3 [0.6] per cent bodyweight), and after 28 days the difference had increased. In contrast, the dogs' lameness, as assessed by the vas values, had decreased significantly over baseline in both the treated and control groups.     

Clinical Evaluation of Canine Acetabular Fractures Stabilized with an Acetabular Plate

A retrospective study of 14 dogs with one or more acetabular fractures stabilized with an acetabular plate was conducted. Twelve of the 14 dogs had additional orthopedic injuries. Follow-up was longer than 6 months. Eleven dogs were evaluated by assessment of radiographs, lameness, mid-thigh circumference, coxofemoral joint range of motion, crepitus, and pain. Varying degrees of osteoarthrosis were noted radiographically at follow-up. Ten of 12 dogs examined had occasional or no clinical lameness. In 10 of 12 dogs, mid-thigh circumference was less on the limb that sustained the acetabular fracture. Nonunion was diagnosed in one plated acetabulum in which two screws had broken. A return to normal or nearly normal function was observed when there were no more than two orthopedic injuries.     

Triple osteotomy of the pelvis and trochanteric osteotomy as a treatment for hip dysplasia in the immature dog: the surgical technique and results of 77 consecutive operations

Triple osteotomy of the pelvis with transplantation of the greater trochanter was performed in 41 immature dogs (77 hips) with hip dysplasia. Before surgery, all hips were moderately to severely subluxated and unstable on palpation. The juxta-acetabular location of the ilial, ischial, and pubic osteotomies allowed repositioning of the acetabulum over the femoral head even when subluxation was severe. The acetabular fragment was rotated 70 degrees to 90 degrees in all hips. After surgery, craniodorsal coverage of the femoral head was increased and each hip was stable on palpation. Bilateral procedures were performed 4 to 7 weeks apart. The functional status of the limb was assessed and physical examination and radiography were performed in 71% (55) of the hips 1.0 to 5.5 years (mean, 2.7 years) after surgery. Functional ability was considered satisfactory in 93% (51) of the limbs, though few dogs had a normal gait. On palpation, all hips were stable and all but one were evaluated as nonpainful. In most instances, contact between the femoral neck and the repositioned acetabular rim resulted in a variable amount of crepitus and restriction of motion when the hip was abducted and rotated externally and internally. Eighty-two percent (45) of the hips had little or no evidence of degenerative joint disease. A satisfactory functional, physical, and radiographic result was obtained in 73% (40) of the hips.     

Tibiotarsal arthroscopy. Applications and long-term outcome in dogs.

The objective of this retrospective article was to describe the use of, and to determine long-term outcome of, tibiotarsal arthroscopy in dogs. The medical records of 20 client-owned dogs with tibiotarsal joint disease with arthroscopic treatment were reviewed. Long-term follow-up evaluation of lameness, force plate gait analysis, and radiographs to assess progression of degenerative joint disease (DJD) were performed. Arthroscopy was utilized in the diagnosis of talar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), collateral ligament injury, septic arthritis, immune mediated arthritis, and a distal talar fragment. Sixteen joints with OCD treated resulted in 10/14 dogs with lameness after exercise only, progression of DJD in most cases, and chronic lameness when comparing operated to unoperated limbs with force plate evaluation at a mean follow-up of 35 months. Following treatment, three dogs with collateral ligament injury had reduced weight bearing on the operated limb, radiographic progression of DJD, and minimal lameness at a mean follow-up of 27 months. Tibiotarsal arthroscopy can be successfully used to help diagnose, and often to treat: OCD, collateral ligament injury, fractures, septic and non-septic arthritis in the dog. The minimally invasive nature of arthroscopy preserved joint stability while allowing complete examination of the articular cartilage. In most cases long term tibiotarsal DJD advancement was the rule.     

Relationship of tibial plateau slope to limb function in dogs treated with a lateral suture technique for stabilization of cranial cruciate ligament deficient stifles

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a lateral suture technique (LST) on tibial plateau angle (TPA) measurement and to compare TPA with functional outcome in dogs treated for cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture with LST. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Dogs (n=34) with unilateral CrCL instability. METHODS: All dogs had lameness examination, survey stifle radiographs, and force plate analysis before and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after surgery. Radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) scores and lameness scores were assigned using previously reported methods. Preoperative radiographs were performed in all dogs, and postoperative serial radiographs were performed in 6 dogs for measurement of TPA. Differences in TPA measurements were evaluated with a random effects repeated measures model. The significance of LST on TPA measurement was established in 6 dogs and the effect of TPA on vertical impulse, peak vertical force, progression of radiographic scores, and lameness score were analyzed by general linear models in all dogs. Differences were considered significant if P<.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were not noted between pre- and serial postoperative measurements of TPA. A significant correlation was not established between TPA and postoperative vertical impulse, peak vertical force, lameness score, or radiographic OA scores. CONCLUSIONS: TPA values were unchanged after LST and TPA does not affect outcome measures in dogs treated with LST. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TPA has no predictive value on clinical outcome in dogs treated with LST for stabilization of CrCL deficient stifles.     

Long-term outcome of juvenile pubic symphysiodesis and triple pelvic osteotomy in dogs with hip dysplasia

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term outcomes of juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) and triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) in dogs with hip dysplasia. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: 18 dogs with hip dysplasia (ie, distraction index > or = 0.5 in at least 1 hip joint and no, mild, or moderate radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease [DJD]). PROCEDURES: Dogs between 4 and 5.5 months old at enrollment were assigned to undergo JPS, and dogs between 5 and 12 months old were assigned to undergo TPO. All dogs were reexamined at 2 years of age. RESULTS: At 2 years of age, there were no significant differences between groups in regard to lameness scores, angle of extension of the hip joints, distraction index, peak vertical force, acetabular angle, radiographic DJD score, or owner-assigned scores of clinical function. Dorsal acetabular rim angle was significantly higher in dogs that underwent JPS than in dogs that underwent TPO. For dogs that underwent TPO, dorsal acetabular rim angle was significantly decreased and acetabular angle was significantly increased at 2 years of age, compared with values obtained prior to surgery. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that JPS and TPO have similar effects on hip joint conformation in dogs with moderate to severe hip dysplasia but that neither procedure eliminates the hip joint laxity characteristic of hip dysplasia or the progression of degenerative changes.     

Relationship between objective and subjective assessment of limb function in normal dogs with an experimentally induced lameness

Objective— To evaluate the relationship between previously used subjective and objective measures of limb function in normal dogs that had an induced lameness.
Study Design— Prospective, blinded, and induced animal model trial.
Animals— Normal, adult, and mixed-breed dogs (n=24) weighing 25–35 kg.
Methods— Force platform gait analysis was collected in all dogs before and after induction of lameness. All gait trials were videotaped; 60 video trials were evaluated by 3 surgeons with practice limited to small animal orthopedics and 3 first year veterinary students in an effort to establish the relationship between subjective and objective measures of lameness. Evaluators were unaware of the force platform data.
Results— Concordance coefficients were low for all observers and were similar between students and surgeons. These values were further decreased when normal and non-weight bearing trials were removed. Agreement with the force platform data was low even when observers only had to be within ±10% of the ground reaction forces. When repeat trials were evaluated surgeons had a much higher repeatability compared with students.
Conclusions— Subjective evaluation of the lameness in this study varied greatly between observers and agreed poorly with objective measures of limb function.
Clinical Relevance— Subjective evaluation of gait should be interpreted cautiously as an outcome measure whether performed from a single or from multiple observers.     

Effect of triple pelvic osteotomy on the proximal femoral geometry in dysplastic dogs

Triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) is one of the surgical procedures for use to try to reduce subsequent degenerative joint disease or modify the progress of hip dysplasia in young dogs. Joint force and pressure distribution were changed by this procedure. Therefore, the aim of this study was to find out whether the remodeling of proximal femur exists or not after TPO in dysplastic dogs. Ten femora from five young dysplastic mongrel dogs, treated unilaterally with TPO using 20° canine pelvic osteotomy plates, were used. One year after TPO, neck-proximal shaft angle, femoral head, neck, diaphyseal and mid-shaft diameters, total femoral, femoral neck axis, and intertrochanteric, femoral head offset lengths as well as the lengths from head center to lateral margin of greater trochanter and to proximal femoral axis were measured from the bone. The significant differences between treatment and control side were determined in Norberg angle, neck-proximal shaft angle, neck diameter, diaphyseal diameter, mid-shaft diameter, length from head center to proximal femoral axis and femoral head offset length. In conclusion, although small number of cases was used, it was determined that the aforementioned variables are affected by TPO. So, these variables may be supply additional information about the changes to the joint following TPO in dysplastic dogs.     

Effect of dorsal hip loading,sedation, and general anesthesia on the dorsolateral subluxation score in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dorsal loading of the pelvis and type of chemical restraint affected the dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) score of dog hips. STYDY DESIGN: In vivo testing of diagnostic method. ANIMALS: Labrador retrievers, Greyhounds, and crosses between both breeds (n = 119 dogs). METHODS: Dorsal load was applied to the hips through a strap that was placed over the hips, and the peak vertical and steady-state vertical, ground-reaction forces exerted on the stifles were measured in the DLS position. The DLS score was measured with their hips under dorsal load and compared with the DLS score without load. For 24 dogs, the DLS score was measured both under chemical restraint (medetomidine) and under general anesthesia. Wilcoxon-signed rank test and paired t test was used to compare effects of dorsal load and restraint method on the left and right DLS hip score, and P <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Both stifles together accepted median 15% body weight in the vertical plane in the unloaded steady state. Loading the hips increased the steady-state, vertical ground-reaction force to 34% body weight. At 8 months of age, loading significantly decreased the DLS score from 65% +/- 11% (mean +/- SD) to 60% +/- 12% for left hips and 66% +/- 11% to 63% +/- 13% for right hips. The left hip DLS score was affected by load more consistently than the right hip. In general, loading the hips decreased the DLS score in all breeds by 4% to 6% except for the greyhounds, in which the DLS score was unchanged by dorsal loading. When grouped by their DLS scores, load significantly decreased DLS scores in dogs with unloaded scores greater than 55% (nondysplastic), whereas DLS scores of dogs with unloaded scores between 55% and 45% (dysplastic) and less than 45% did not change significantly with load. Unloaded scores did not change significantly when compared under sedation versus general anesthesia. However, load significantly decreased the DLS score under general anesthesia for the left hip but not for the right hip. CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of the vertical ground-reaction force normally exerted by the hindlegs of a standing dog was sufficient to induce hip subluxation in the DLS position. Although dorsal loading approximately doubled the steady-state, vertical ground-reaction force, the decrease in the DLS score under load was never greater than 6%. Furthermore, the DLS scores of dogs most likely to be dysplastic (based on DLS scores <45%) were not affected by load, whereas load slightly decreased DLS cores of dogs with DLS scores greater than 55%. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: External influences can change the DLS score significantly, but the magnitude of change is unlikely to be of clinical importance, making the method useful as a field screening test for both dysplastic and nondysplastic hips in young dogs.     

Prevalence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in a population of dogs with lameness previously attributed to hip dysplasia: 369 cases (1994-2003)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) in dogs with lameness previously attributed to canine hip dysplasia (CHD). DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 369 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES: Hospital medical records from 1994 to 2003 were reviewed for dogs in which the referring veterinarian had diagnosed hip dysplasia or hip pain. Dogs were designated as having hind limb lameness because of partial or complete CCLR or CHD. RESULTS: 8% of dogs were sexually intact females, 43% were spayed females, 14% were sexually intact males, and 35% were castrated males. Mean age was 3.8 years (range, 3 months to 15 years). The most common breeds were the Labrador Retriever (21%), German Shepherd Dog (13%), and Golden Retriever (11%). The prevalence of CCLR as the cause of hind limb lameness was 32% (95% confidence interval, 27.2% to 36.8%). The distribution of CCLR among hind limbs was left (29%), right (28%), and bilateral (43%). Of 119 dogs with CCLR, 94% had concurrent radiographic signs of CHD, 92% had stifle joint effusion, and 81% had a cranial drawer sign. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of the high prevalence of CCLR in dogs referred for lameness because of CHD, it is important to exclude other sources of stifle joint disease before making recommendations for treatment of CHD.