Radiographic diagnosis of joint diseases

Positive contrast arthrography of the dog's shoulder with meglumine-sodium diatrizoate

Different volumes with varying concentrations of meglumine-sodium diatrizoate were injected to study positive contrast shoulder arthrograms in six experimental dogs weighing 23-37 kg. The best delineation of the articular cartilage was obtained following injection of 1.5 ml of a 25% solution (185 mg iodine/joint). To visualize the bicipital tendon sheet and the different pouches of the shoulder joint, 6 ml of a 25% solution (750 mg iodine/joint) should be used. If no definite lesions are previewed, 6 ml of a 19% solution (550 mg iodine/joint) offers an acceptable compromise since with this volume and concentration no pooling of contrast medium overlapping the caudal area of the humeral head was seen. Radiographs should be obtained within 5 minutes after injection of the contrast medium. After that period the delineation of the joint structures is vaguening by absorption of the contrast medium. Repeated contrast examination with meglumine-sodium diatrizoate should be avoided. After four procedures at weekly intervals, the necropsy performed on two dogs showed inflammatory changes of the synovial membrane.