Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

05:23
Establishment and Evaluation of a Sheep Model of Full-thickness Osteochondral Defect
Published on: April 14, 2026
Bilateral calcaneal epiphysiolysis in a dog
Summary
This report details bilateral calcaneal epiphysiolysis in a young Dobermann Pinscher, identifying it as a non-traumatic condition. Surgical intervention provided only temporary relief due to the severity of bone changes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Orthopedics
- Canine Pathology
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Calcaneal epiphysiolysis is a rare condition affecting the heel bone's growth plate.
- Understanding its etiology and presentation in young dogs is crucial for effective treatment.
Observation:
- A six-month-old Dobermann Pinscher presented with simultaneous bilateral calcaneal epiphysiolysis.
- Clinical, radiographic, and histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis, with no history of trauma.
Findings:
- Surgical treatment involving a tension band and external fixator was performed.
- The intervention resulted in temporary resolution of clinical signs.
Implications:
- Severe bone changes can limit the long-term success of surgical interventions for calcaneal epiphysiolysis.
- This case highlights the importance of considering non-traumatic etiologies in young dogs with hindlimb lameness.
Related Concept Videos
Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
The femur is the body's longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck...
Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification
Bone formation, or ossification, begins around the sixth to seventh week of embryonic development. Most bones develop from a cartilaginous template through the process of endochondral ossification. Cartilage formation begins when clusters of mesenchymal cells differentiate into chondrocytes. These chondrocytes proliferate rapidly and secrete an extracellular matrix that becomes encased in a membrane called the perichondrium. The resulting cartilage model provides a template that resembles the...

