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Radiographic evaluation of elbow incongruity in Skye terriers
A K Lappalainen1, T Hyvärinen1, J Junnila2
1Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O.Box 57, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
The Journal of Small Animal Practice
|December 25, 2015
Summary
Moderate to severe elbow incongruity is common in Skye terriers and linked to lameness. This study suggests a new radiographic screening protocol for elbow joint incongruity in chondrodystrophic breeds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Radiology
- Canine Orthopedics
Background:
- Elbow joint incongruity is a potential cause of lameness in dogs.
- Skye terriers may be predisposed to elbow joint abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To radiographically assess elbow joint congruity in Skye terriers.
- To investigate the relationship between elbow incongruity and lameness in this breed.
Main Methods:
- Radiographs of 45 Skye terriers were analyzed for elbow joint incongruity.
- Humeroulnar joint space width was measured to grade incongruity (mild, moderate, severe).
- Owner questionnaires provided lameness history data.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (49%) of Skye terriers exhibited moderate or severe elbow joint incongruity.
- Elbow incongruity was associated with lameness in the studied dogs.
- Lameness was frequently reported, with many dogs experiencing it before one year of age.
Conclusions:
- Moderate-to-severe elbow joint incongruity and lameness are prevalent in Skye terriers.
- A significant association exists between elbow incongruity and lameness in this breed.
- A new radiographic screening protocol for elbow incongruity in chondrodystrophic breeds is proposed.
