Abstract

LUZIO QUIROGA, Álvaro et al. Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of the Radius-Ulna-Humerus Joint in Police Dogs in the City of Concepción, Chile. Rev. Med. Vet. [online]. 2014, n.27, pp.121-131. ISSN 0122-9354.

Objective: To assess the elbow joint in police dogs through a clinical orthopedic exam and a radiological exam. Fifteen dogs were studied (13 males and 2 females) between the ages of 3 and 10 that perform police work in Concepción, Chile. Method: Individuals were subjected to a general and orthopedic physical examination focused on the elbow joint, and then a radiological study was carried out, in which both elbows were assessed through 4 projections including an extended medial lateral (ML), craniocaudal (CrCa), medial lateral flexed at 45° (ML 45° flex) and craniolateral-caudomedial oblique (Cr15° LCdMO), in order to establish the appearance of osteoarticular disorders. Results: Only 2 dogs showed clinical signs (13.33%) in which pain and crepitation were observed through palpation and manipulation of the joint; 8 individuals showed radiological signs (53.33%). The most common signs were osteophytes (40%), sclerosis (20%), joint incongruity (20%), unevenness between radius and ulna (20%), absence of the medial coronoid process of the ulna (6.67%) and unbound anconeus process (6.67%). Conclusion: This study showed a low correlation between the presence of clinical signs and the presence of radiological signs (r: 0.327).

Keywords : Police dogs; elbow joint; radiography; elbow dysplasia.

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