Abstract
Simple SummaryTarsal joint lesions are uncommon in dogs but may lead to serious health problems. The most common diseases involving the tarsal joint are osteochondrosis, fractures and injuries of the Achilles tendon. The basis for the diagnosis of lesions in the tarsus is a thorough orthopedic examination, sometimes performed under sedation. Imaging modalities such as radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography can facilitate the detection and assessment of lesions in the canine tarsal joint. The aim of this paper is to characterize and compare the usefulness of imaging techniques available in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis and evaluation of lesions and injuries affecting the tarsal joint in dogs.Tarsus lesions are not common in dogs, but they can cause serious health problem. They can lead to permanent changes in the joint and, in dogs involved in canine sports, to exclusion from training. The most common diseases and injuries involving the tarsal joint are osteochondrosis, fractures and ruptures of the Achilles tendon. These conditions can be diagnosed primarily through accurate orthopedic examination, but even this may be insufficient for performing a proper diagnosis. Imaging modalities such as radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography can facilitate the detection and assessment of lesions in the canine tarsal joint. This review paper briefly presents some characteristics of the above-mentioned imaging techniques, offering a comparison of their utility in the diagnosis of lesions and injuries involving the canine tarsus.
Highlights
The tarsus is a joint with a complex structure
The tarsal joint may be affected by developmental diseases, such as osteochondrosis, which may produce degenerative lesions
Central tarsal bone fractures are typical of racing greyhounds that run counterclockwise on a racetrack
Summary
The tarsus is a joint with a complex structure. It consists of seven short bones that comprise four joint rows, which are themselves surrounded by a common capsule and reinforced with numerous ligaments and tendons [1,2]. Central tarsal bone fractures are typical of racing greyhounds that run counterclockwise on a racetrack These injuries are the result of repetitive microcracks, insufficient repair response, or weakness during bone resorption due to extensive bone remodeling [3]. Achilles tendon injuries are most often the result of direct force, leading to the tendon’s tearing or complete rupture These changes are uncommon in dogs and can manifest themselves as mild to severe lameness and an apparently abnormal limb angle in the joint. The aim of this report is to characterize and compare the usefulness of imaging techniques available in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis and evaluation of lesions and injuries affecting the tarsal joint in dogs
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