Canine elbow dysplasia. The early radiographic detection of fragmentation of the coronoid process.

Ununited anconeal process, osteochondrosis, and fragmentation of the coronoid process (FCP), separately or together, comprise canine elbow dysplasia. Radiographic detection of ununited anconeal process or osteochondrosis is common, whereas identification of an FCP is often inferred by finding joint incongruity and secondary changes. Early identification of FCP can be improved by evaluating the elbow joint for subtle changes visible early in the course of this disease. Proper radiographic technique and positioning are essential in optimizing identification of the changes associated with mild or early FCP.

Osteochondrosis of the lateral trochlear ridge of the talus in seven Rottweiler dogs.

Eleven lesions of osteochondrosis in the lateral trochlear ridge of the talus were diagnosed in seven young Rottweiler dogs. Diagnosis was based on clinical and radiographic evaluations. Defects in the lateral trochlear ridge and osteochondral fragments arising from the dorsal and proximal margins of the ridge were visible radiographically. The dorsal 45 degrees lateral-plantaromedial oblique (D45 degrees L-P1MO) projection was the most useful in identifying the lesions. Exploratory arthrotomies were performed in six affected tarsi. In three cases, histologic examination revealed mineralized osteochondral fragments consistent with a diagnosis of osteochondrosis.

Fracture-associated sarcoma in the dog.

Seven fracture-associated sarcomas developed in large-breed dogs after stabilization of comminuted long bone fractures with stainless steel plates and screws. In most cases, the healing pattern of the fractures was disturbed. The mean interval between fracture occurrence and tumor diagnosis was 5.5 years. Radiographically, the sarcomas were typified by smooth-bordered subperiosteal proliferation and soft tissue mineralization. Cortical destruction was variable. Several histologic subtypes of osteosarcoma were seen. Four sarcomas had a marked inflammatory cell component and 5 of the dogs had clinical evidence of chronic infection. These findings were similar to those in 35 previously reported fracture-associated sarcomas, even though many types of fixation devices in addition to plates, as well as no fixation at all, were represented in these cases. Fracture-associated sarcomas most frequently were found to be diaphyseal, and the femur accounted for almost half of the sarcomas reported.