Joint Dysplasia in Dogs: Causes and Signs

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Questions and Answers

What is a conservative treatment option for skeletally immature dogs with hip issues?

Total hip arthroplasty

Exercise management: lead walks and low impact exercise (correct)

Triple pelvic osteotomy

Femoral head and neck excision

Which of the following is NOT a surgical option for skeletally immature dogs with hip issues?

Triple pelvic osteotomy

Analgesia (correct)

Femoral head and neck osteotomy

Juvenile pelvic symphosiodesis (JPS)

What characterizes elbow dysplasia?

It is a group of developmental diseases with both genetic and environmental components. (correct)

It's solely a genetic disease.

It leads to increased ossification of the humeral condyle.

It only affects younger dogs.

What is Morgan's line associated with?

Deposition of osteophytes at the joint capsule attachment. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT listed under elbow dysplasia?

Coxofemoral subluxation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using CT and arthroscopy in diagnosing incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC)?

They are the preferred methods for diagnosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a clinical examination finding associated with incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle?

Excessive joint mobility Signup and view all the answers

At what age range do dogs typically present with incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle?

From young to middle age Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception regarding the etiology of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle?

The etiological cause is unknown. Signup and view all the answers

In radiography for diagnosing IOHC, how severe must the incongruency be for it to be detected?

It must be severe to be detected. Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible etiology for radial-ulnar incongruency?

Congenital factors or trauma Signup and view all the answers

At what age do dogs typically present with forelimb lameness due to radial-ulnar incongruency?

5-7 months Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diagnostic tools is necessary to diagnose concurrent fragmented medial coronoid process?

CT scan Signup and view all the answers

Which breeds are more susceptible to asynchronous growth between the radius and ulna?

Chondrodystrophic breeds Signup and view all the answers

What radiographic view is recommended for assessing the elbow joint?

Fully flexed mediolateral view Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of hip dysplasia in dogs?

Unknown genetic and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following clinical signs is commonly observed in young dogs with hip dysplasia?

Exercise intolerance Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic method is primarily used to assess joint laxity in hip dysplasia?

Ortolani test Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a normal Norberg angle when assessing joint laxity?

<blockquote> 105 degrees </blockquote> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when laxity progresses in hip dysplasia?

Cartilage degeneration Signup and view all the answers

Which sign is unlikely to be present during a clinical exam of mature dogs with hip dysplasia?

Positive Ortolani test Signup and view all the answers

What significance does a 50% femoral head coverage have in diagnosing hip dysplasia?

It's considered normal Signup and view all the answers

What is a common behavioral change in older dogs with hip dysplasia?

Decreased exercise tolerance Signup and view all the answers

What is a common presentation of dogs suffering from forelimb lameness?

Forelimb stiffness and stilted gait Signup and view all the answers

Which breeds are most commonly affected by the condition described?

Retrievers and large/giant breeds Signup and view all the answers

What significant sign may be observed during a clinical examination for this condition?

Joint swelling and varus of the elbow Signup and view all the answers

At what age must a patient be to diagnose an Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP)?

At least 20 weeks old Signup and view all the answers

What type of imaging is more sensitive for diagnosing conditions related to elbow problems?

CT scans Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic finding on radiographs indicates a potential issue with the medial aspect of the humeral condyle?

Triangular subchondral defect Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is NOT typically associated with forelimb lameness in young dogs?

Increased thirst Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following could be a contributing factor to an Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP)?

Radioulnar incongruity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of medical treatment for dogs with elbow issues?

Management of body weight and exercise Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging technique is noted for being more sensitive than radiography?

CT scan Signup and view all the answers

What does the medial coronoid disease often associate with?

IOCH in elbows Signup and view all the answers

What is the scoring range for evaluating hip dysplasia in dogs?

0 to 53 Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary goal of health testing and screening in breeding dogs?

Screening for inherited conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about surgical treatment for elbow issues in dogs is true?

Surgical treatment does not alter DJD progression Signup and view all the answers

What is an appropriate recommendation for breeding dogs concerning elbow dysplasia scores?

Breed only dogs with an elbow score of 0 Signup and view all the answers

What type of gait might a dog exhibit with IOCH?

Stiff or stilted Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Approach to Joint Dysplasia (Elbow and Hip) in Dogs

Joint dysplasia is a developmental disease affecting the coxofemoral (hip) or radio-ulnar (elbow) joints in dogs.
The cause of dysplasia is unknown, but it involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, including exercise, body mass, and growth rate.
Hip dysplasia is characterized by laxity and inadequate coverage of the femoral head by the acetabulum.

Etiopathology

Hip dysplasia is a genetic disease with a complex inheritance pattern.
Environmental factors like exercise, body mass, and growth rate influence the development.
Laxity in the joint can lead to subluxation, followed by microfractures, cartilage tearing, synovitis, and ultimately pain.

Presentation and Clinical Signs

In young dogs, signs include exercise intolerance, reluctance to climb stairs/jump, muscular atrophy, bunny hopping, short gait, and a narrow stance.
Older dogs with degenerative joint disease experience reduced activity levels and behavioral changes associated with pain.
Shoulder muscle hypertrophy might occur due to cranial weight shift.

Clinical Examination

Ortolani test to examine hip for laxity (animal placed in lateral recumbency).
Dorsal pressure during hip adduction; subluxation and clunk detected are positive.
Less commonly positive in mature dogs due to acetabulum shallowness and joint capsule fibrosis.

Radiology/Diagnosis

Lateral and extended ventrodorsally views for radiographs to avoid artefacts, especially in dorsoventral views.
Femurs and cassette need to be parallel with patellas centering on femoral condyles.
Assessing joint laxity: Measuring Norberg angle (>105 degrees is normal) and %femoral head coverage (>50% is normal).
Signs of remodelling include blunting of the acetabular rim, flattening of the femoral head, subluxation, and thickening of the femoral head and deposition of osteophytes often at the attachment of the joint capsule.

Medical Treatment

Conservative treatment in both immature and mature animals involves lean body weight, exercise management (lead walks, low-impact exercise, hydrotherapy), physiotherapy, analgesia, and nutritional supplementation.

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgical treatment options for skeletally immature dogs include juvenile pelvic symphosiodesis (JPS), triple pelvic osteotomy, and femoral head and neck osteotomy.
For skeletally mature animals, options are femoral head and neck excision and total hip arthroplasty.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia encompasses various developmental diseases with a genetic and environmental component resulting in degenerative joint disease (DJD).
Key types include medial coronoid process disease (MCPD), osteochondrosis of the medial part of the humeral condyle (OCD), ununited anconeal process (UAP), radial-ulnar incongruency, and incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC).

Anatomy

Detailed anatomy of the canine elbow joint with labeled bones and ligaments is presented.

MCPD

Cartilage erosions on the medial aspect of the canine elbow joint.
Presentation includes unilateral or bilateral lameness, abnormal gait(stiffened/stilted), worsening after exercise and a period of rest.
Clinical examination revealed pain on full elbow extension, pain on flexion/extension of the elbow, and lateral rotation of the foot. Possible effusion, thickened joint(s), decreased range of motion and crepitus are observed.

Osteochondrosis Dissecans of the Medial Humeral Condyle

The cartilage underneath the bone in the elbow joint dies due to lack of blood flow.
The bone and cartilage may break off, causing pain.
Presentation includes lameness with stiffness and a stilted gait, worsening after exercise and immediate resting. Typically in young dogs (5–8 months old), in breeds like retrievers and Rottweilers, and in large/giant breeds.
Clinical examination includes joint swelling, varus of the elbow and valgus of carpi, pain on deep palpation over the medial collateral ligament, and crepitus in older patients.

Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP)

Failure of ossification to fuse with the olecranon at 5 months of age or less.
Etiology unknown, possible link to radioulnar incongruity.
Dogs with UAP often show intermittent/subtle or continuous/severe lameness, and presentation typically occurs in young dogs (5–8 months old) of breeds like German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, Basset Hounds (mostly males).
Clinical examination reveals lameness in abducted position, varying degree of external rotation of the manus, elbow effusion, and pain during palpation, particularly on extension.

Radial-Ulnar Incongruency

Malalignment of articular surfaces leading to uneven force distribution.
The condition results from congenital factors, trauma, and chondrodystrophic breeds predisposition.
It results in a presentation of lameness and stiffness, with worse symptoms after exercise or periods of rest, in predominantly large breeds and breeds prone to chondrodystrophy.

Incomplete Ossification of the Humeral Condyle (IOHC)

Failure of bone union between the medial and lateral portions of the humeral condyle.
Etiology unknown; occurs in young to middle-aged adult small to medium breeds.
Dogs often present with weight-bearing lameness that worsens after exercise or rest (monolateral or bilateral).
Clinical signs include pain on elbow manipulation and a stilted/stiff gait.

Diagnosis/Radiology

Radiographs (orthogonal views, cranial-caudal projection), CT scans, and arthroscopy are considered for diagnosis.

Prevention

Health testing and screening for hip and elbow dysplasia allows owners and breeders to only breed healthy dogs. Early identification is key and is often accomplished with radiographic or other imaging assessments.

Additional Information

Surgical treatments do not prevent the progression of degenerative joint disease (DJD).
Dogs with elbow arthritis may still function as pets but not as competitive, sporting dogs.

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Description

This quiz covers the approach to joint dysplasia, particularly focusing on hip and elbow dysplasia in dogs. Learn about the etiopathology, clinical signs, and the factors that contribute to this genetic disease. Test your knowledge about recognizing the symptoms and understanding the underlying causes.