Hind limb lameness in the young patient

Juvenile Disease Processes Affecting the Forelimb in Canines

Several juvenile diseases affect the canine forelimb. The most common are hypertrophic osteodystrophy, panosteitis, and retained cartilaginous core. Panosteitis and hypertrophic osteodystrophy tend to be self-limiting, with a good long-term prognosis, although severe cases can develop. These diseases may recur during growth. Severe cases of hypertrophic osteodystrophy can lead to angular limb deformities and may even be fatal. Retained cartilaginous cores can be benign with no evidence of clinical signs and be found incidentally on radiographs. However, if they disrupt the distal ulnar physis, angular limb deformities may persist requiring surgical intervention with a corrective osteotomy.

Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II) in Joint Health and Disease: A Review on the Current Knowledge of Companion Animals

OA is quite common in companion animals, especially in large breed dogs and horses. Collagen, the most abundant protein of mammals, has specific connective tissue types for skin, bones, reticulate, basal lamina, bones, cell surfaces, while type II collagen (UC-II) forms the main structure of cartilage tissue. Even at the smaller dosages, UC-II has also been reported to be more effective than the glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements, which are the supplements most frequently used in the market. In this review, we summarize the effects of UC-II on joint health and function in health and disease conditions in companion animals.

A medicinal herb-based natural health product improves the condition of a canine natural osteoarthritis model: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

An oral herb-based natural health product (NHP) was evaluated in the canine natural osteoarthritis model. At baseline, the peak vertical force (PVF, primary endpoint) and case-specific outcome measure of disability (CSOM) were recorded in privately-owned dogs. Dogs (16/group) were randomized to receive NHP formulations or a negative control. The PVF was measured at week (W) 4 and W8. Daily locomotor activity was recorded using accelerometer. The CSOMs were assessed bi-weekly by the owner. The NHP-treated dogs (n = 13) had higher PVF at W4 (p = 0.020) and W8 (p <0.001) when compared to baseline. The changes at W8 were higher than control dogs (n = 14, p <0.027) and consistent with Cohen's d effect size of 0.7 (95% confidence interval: 0.0-1.5). The NHP-treated dogs had higher locomotor activity at W8 (p = 0.025) when compared to baseline. No significant change was observed for the CSOM. The NHP improved the clinical signs of osteoarthritis in this model.

Brachystemma calycinum D. Don Effectively Reduces the Locomotor Disability in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective. The aim of this randomized placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the beneficial effect of a whole plant extract of Brachystemma calycinum D. Don (BCD) in naturally occurring osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs. Methods. Dogs had stifle/hip OA and poor limb loading based on the peak of the vertically oriented ground reaction force (PVF) measured using a force platform. At baseline, PVF and case-specific outcome measure of disability (CSOM) were recorded. Dogs (16 per group) were then assigned to receive BCD (200 mg/kg/day) or a placebo. The PVF was measured at week (W) 3 and W6. Locomotor activity was recorded throughout the study duration using collar-mounted accelerometer, and CSOM was assessed biweekly by the owner. Results. BCD-treated dogs had higher PVF at W3 and W6 when compared to Baseline (P < 0.001) and at W6 when compared to placebo-treated dogs (P = 0.040). Higher daily duration (P = 0.024) and intensity (P = 0.012) of locomotor activity were observed in BCD-treated dogs compared to baseline. No significant change was observed in either group for CSOM. Conclusions. Treatment with BCD improved the limb impairment and enhanced the locomotor activity in dogs afflicted by naturally-occurring OA. Those preclinical findings provide interesting and new information about the potential of BCD as an OA therapeutic.

Probable avulsion of the infraspinatus tendon of insertion in a Rottweiler

CASE HISTORY

An 8.5-month-old male Rottweiler was presented with chronic, non-localisable, right forelimb lameness.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

Survey radiographs revealed panosteitis in the right antebrachium and an irregularly marginated radiolucency on the lateral aspect of the proximal left humerus. The tendon of insertion of the left infraspinatus muscle was enlarged, some tendon fibres ended prematurely in a cluster of mineralised particles, and there was a large bony defect at the point of insertion.

DIAGNOSIS

Probable avulsion of the left infraspinatus tendon.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This case was particularly unusual due to the marked prominence of the lesion without lameness of the left forelimb. Avulsion of the infraspinatus tendon is poorly described in the veterinary and medical literature.

Developmental orthopedic disease

Developmental orthopedic diseases are a common cause of pain and lameness in young dogs. Most occur in large-breed dogs with rapid growth rates. This article reviews the signalment, etiology and pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for many of the common developmental orthopedic diseases, including hypertrophic osteodystrophy, panosteitis, osteochondrosis, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and pes verus.