Sesamoid disease as a cause of lameness in young dogs

A degenerative disease of the volar sesamoid bones of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints is described in young dogs of the larger breeds. It is characterized by degenerative changes in the articular cartilage of the sesamoid bones and by calcification within their ligamentous attachments. The lesion can be associated with lameness although it can also be asymptomatic. In many cases, other orthopaedic lesions are present in the dog which makes clinical assessment difficult. Treatment is by surgical removal of the affected sesamoid bone. This is the first report of this particular clinical entity which has been designated sesamoid disease.