Accessory caudal glenoid ossification centre as possible cause of lameness in nine dogs

Ununited accessory caudal glenoid ossification centre and associated joint mouse as a cause of lameness in a cat

Case summary

A 16-year-old neutered female domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for chronic lameness of the right thoracic limb. On clinical examination, pain was localised to the right glenohumeral joint. Radiography and arthrography of the right glenohumeral joint revealed an ununited accessory caudal glenoid ossification centre, abbreviated here to ununited caudal glenoid (UCG), and a joint mouse. The UCG and attached joint mouse were removed via arthroscopy and this resulted in complete resolution of the clinical signs. The cat was euthanased 3 years later, for an unrelated cause, having shown no recurrence of lameness.

Relevance and novel information

UCG should be considered as a differential diagnosis for cats with lameness of the thoracic limb. The clinical implications of a UCG have been described in dogs, but to our knowledge have not yet been described in cats. Excision of the UCG, as described in dogs, may be an effective treatment for this condition.

Minimally Invasive Osteosynthesis Techniques for Articular Fractures

Articular fractures are common injuries in veterinary medicine. The principles of articular fracture repair are anatomic reduction and rigid fixation in order to optimize joint function. Fluoroscopy and arthroscopy are tools commonly used to allow for anatomic reduction with a minimally invasive approach. Minimally invasive techniques can decrease morbidity and promote an early return to function. Different types of articular fractures and options for minimally invasive repair are reviewed in this article.

The canine shoulder: selected disorders and their management with physical therapy

The shoulder joint is the most mobile of all main limb joints. While its primary motion is in a sagittal plane, the shoulder has a significant amount of abduction and adduction, and internal and external rotation. Its stability is ensured by the joint capsule, by its specialized bands (medial and lateral glenohumeral ligaments), and by large tendons located inside (eg, tendon of origin of the biceps brachii muscle) or immediately outside the joint (eg, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis). Sprains or strains of all supporting structures of the canine shoulder have now been reported and the shoulder pathology resembles the pathology of the human shoulder that includes strains and tears of the rotator cuff muscles, adhesive capsulitis, and calcific tendonitis.

Emerging Causes of Canine Lameness

Most orthopedic conditions that affect dogs are well described established conditions. Often, the current literature is focused on refinements in diagnosis, treatment, and management of these conditions. Improvement in worldwide reporting of emerging conditions offers veterinarians a greater awareness of new conditions as they occur. This article compiles into a single source what has been reported for five newly described disorders.