Relationship between physical signs of elbow dysplasia and radiographic score in growing Rottweilers

R. A. Read From the School of Veterinary Studies, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia (Read, Armstrong, Yovich, Davey); and Ku-ring-gai Veterinary Hospital, Curagul Rd, North Turramurra 2074, New South Wales, Australia (Black, Macpherson).

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S. J. Armstrong From the School of Veterinary Studies, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia (Read, Armstrong, Yovich, Davey); and Ku-ring-gai Veterinary Hospital, Curagul Rd, North Turramurra 2074, New South Wales, Australia (Black, Macpherson).

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A. P. Black From the School of Veterinary Studies, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia (Read, Armstrong, Yovich, Davey); and Ku-ring-gai Veterinary Hospital, Curagul Rd, North Turramurra 2074, New South Wales, Australia (Black, Macpherson).

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G. C. Macpherson From the School of Veterinary Studies, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia (Read, Armstrong, Yovich, Davey); and Ku-ring-gai Veterinary Hospital, Curagul Rd, North Turramurra 2074, New South Wales, Australia (Black, Macpherson).

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J. C. Yovich From the School of Veterinary Studies, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia (Read, Armstrong, Yovich, Davey); and Ku-ring-gai Veterinary Hospital, Curagul Rd, North Turramurra 2074, New South Wales, Australia (Black, Macpherson).

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T. Davey From the School of Veterinary Studies, Murdoch University, Murdoch 6150, Western Australia (Read, Armstrong, Yovich, Davey); and Ku-ring-gai Veterinary Hospital, Curagul Rd, North Turramurra 2074, New South Wales, Australia (Black, Macpherson).

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Objective

To examine the relationship between physical signs of elbow dysplasia and radiographic appearance of the elbow joints in growing dogs.

Design

Prospective study.

Animals

55 Rottweiler pups.

Procedure

Owners of clinically normal Rottweiler pups were contacted through breed clubs in 3 Australian states and asked to participate in the study. All those offering to participate were included.

Procedure

The first physical examination was performed when pups were 3 months old and included a lameness evaluation and palpation of the elbow joints. Physical examinations were repeated when pups were 5, 6, 9, and 12 months old. Radiographs of the elbows were obtained at 6 and 12 months. Relationships among lameness, decreased range of movement, signs of pain, and radiographic data related to elbow dysplasia were examined.

Results

Elbow dysplasia caused clinical lameness in only 3 dogs but 57% of dogs developed radiographic signs of elbow dysplasia by 12 months of age. A grade-2 radiographic score at 12 months of age was significantly associated with clinical elbow dysplasia.

Clinical Implications

Elbow dysplasia has a prevalence of > 50% in certain breed populations. This study supports radiographic screening at 12 months of age, accompanied by physical examination to detect clinical elbow dysplasia. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;209:1427–1430)

Objective

To examine the relationship between physical signs of elbow dysplasia and radiographic appearance of the elbow joints in growing dogs.

Design

Prospective study.

Animals

55 Rottweiler pups.

Procedure

Owners of clinically normal Rottweiler pups were contacted through breed clubs in 3 Australian states and asked to participate in the study. All those offering to participate were included.

Procedure

The first physical examination was performed when pups were 3 months old and included a lameness evaluation and palpation of the elbow joints. Physical examinations were repeated when pups were 5, 6, 9, and 12 months old. Radiographs of the elbows were obtained at 6 and 12 months. Relationships among lameness, decreased range of movement, signs of pain, and radiographic data related to elbow dysplasia were examined.

Results

Elbow dysplasia caused clinical lameness in only 3 dogs but 57% of dogs developed radiographic signs of elbow dysplasia by 12 months of age. A grade-2 radiographic score at 12 months of age was significantly associated with clinical elbow dysplasia.

Clinical Implications

Elbow dysplasia has a prevalence of > 50% in certain breed populations. This study supports radiographic screening at 12 months of age, accompanied by physical examination to detect clinical elbow dysplasia. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;209:1427–1430)

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