[Radiographical study of osteoarthrosis in dogs]

ABSTRACT

Degenerative joint disease [DJD] is a non-inflammatory and noninfectious disorder of movable joints characterized by degeneration of articular cartilage and new bone formation around the joints. There is no comprehensive report about the prevalence of DJD in dogs in Iran. The aim of this radiographical study was to evaluate the rate of DJD and the influencing factors such as age, sex, breed and location of the joint in dogs referred to the Radiology Division of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Tehran. Atotal of 1896 canine cases were studied during a period of five years [1382-1386]. Two hundred and thirty two cases were x-rayed with each having the problem of joint disease. Radiographic evidence of DJD was found in 21.12% of the examined dogs. Degenerative joint disease of the vertebral column was diagnosed in 6.46% of all the cases. Degenerative changes of appendicular joints were found in 14.65% of the cases. The incidence of osteoarthrosis of the forelimbs was 47% among cases with DJD of appendicular joints. The rate of osteoarthrosis of hind limbs was 53%. The highest rate of DJD of appendicular joints was seen in the hip joints [38.23%]. This study demonstrated that radiographic changes of DJD were more discernible in large breed dogs [34.56%], as compared to small breeds [13.63%] [psex predilection was found. This study revealed that the probability of suffering from primary osteoarthrosis increased with a dog's age [p