Cartilage Changes in Dogs with Surgically Treated Medial Patellar Luxations

Abstract

SummaryThe purpose of this study is to examine the stifle joint articular cartilage changes in dogs with clinically significant patellar luxation and determine if this cartilage is significantly different from that of dogs without patellar luxation. Osteochondral slices were obtained from dogs during recession sulcoplasty. Osteochondral sections were submitted for histological analysis and histochemical staining. Articular cartilage was blindly evaluated using a modified Mankin score. Cartilage histological scores were significantly different between controls and dogs with patellar luxation. There was not any correlation between grade of luxation, age or length of clinical signs and histological score. Neither was there any significant difference between controls and dogs with patellar luxation, with respect to glycosaminoglycan content, as estimated by Safranin-O staining. Most changes in the articular cartilage were seen in the top two zones and consisted of cell loss and minor surface fibrillation. Even with a statistically significant difference, the changes in the cartilage were minor. In the authors’ opinion, this study further supports the use of the recession sulcoplasty technique in treating patellar luxations in dogs. Surgical techniques that preserve hyaline cartilage should be recommended where possible.Articular cartilage from dogs with surgically treated medial patellar luxation was examined histologically and biochemically. Changes in the cartilage were superficial and considered to be minor.