Joints Of Dogs Research Articles

Tenascin-C levels in synovial fluid are elevated after injury to the human and canine joint and correlate with markers of inflammation and matrix degradation

We have previously shown the capacity of tenascin-C (TN-C) to induce inflammatory mediators and matrix degradation in vitro in human articular cartilage. The objective of the present study was to follow TN-C release into knee synovial fluid after acute joint injury or in joint disease, and to correlate TN-C levels with markers of cartilage matrix degradation and inflammation. Human knee synovial fluid samples (n = 164) were from a cross-sectional convenience cohort. Diagnostic groups were knee healthy reference, knee anterior cruciate ligament rupture, with or without concomitant meniscus lesions, isolated knee meniscus injury, acute inflammatory arthritis (AIA) and knee osteoarthritis (OA). TN-C was measured in synovial fluid samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and results correlated to other cartilage markers. TN-C release was also monitored in joints of dogs that underwent knee instability surgery. Statistically significantly higher levels of TN-C compared to reference subjects were observed in the joint fluid of all human disease groups and in the dogs that underwent knee instability surgery. Statistically significant correlations were observed between the TN-C levels in the synovial fluid of the human patients and the levels of aggrecanase-dependent Ala-Arg-Gly-aggrecan (ARG-aggrecan) fragments and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3. We find highly elevated levels of TN-C in human knee joints after injury, AIA or OA that correlated with markers of cartilage degradation and inflammation. TN-C in synovial fluid may serve dual roles as a marker of joint damage and a stimulant of further joint degradation.

Biomarkers in dogs surgically treated for ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments

Thirty-one dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) were randomly treated with tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO; TPLO group) or proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO; PTO group). Synovial fluid was collected...

Normograde and Retrograde Pinning of the Distal Fragment in Humeral Fractures of the Dog

To determine if normograde and retrograde pinning of the distal humeral fragment, to maximize pin purchase in this fragment, would damage vital structures in and around the elbow and shoulder joints in dogs. Anatomic study. Cadaveric dogs (n = 12; 12 thoracic limb pairs). Twelve thoracic limb pairs were harvested from cross-breed dogs and 1 thoracic limb from each pair was allocated to 1 of 3 groups. A transverse osteotomy was created at the junction of the middle and distal thirds in the diaphyseal fracture group (n = 8) and proximal to the supracondylar foramen in the metaphyseal fracture group (n = 8). The humeri in the normograde group (n = 8) were left intact. In all specimens in the distal and supracondylar fracture groups, retrograde pinning of the distal fragment was performed with the elbow flexed. The pins were driven into the medial epicondyle until they exited the skin caudal to the elbow. Dissection of the soft tissues around the exit tract of the pin was performed. The fracture was then reduced and the pin was advanced until it exited the proximal humeral fragment. In the specimens in the normograde group, pinning was initiated on the distal aspect of the medial epicondyle. The pin was directed parallel to the caudal aspect of the medial epicondyle and driven proximally into the humerus until it exited the proximal humerus. Pins exiting the distal aspect of the medial epicondyle passed through muscle origins in 7 specimens in the diaphyseal osteotomy group and in all 8 specimens in the metaphyseal group. The ulnar nerve was entrapped in 1 specimen in the metaphyseal osteotomy group; however, it was not entrapped in any of the specimens in the diaphyseal osteotomy group. The articular cartilage of the trochlea was damaged in 2 specimens in each of the retrograde pinned groups. There was no damage to articular or periarticular structures by pins exiting the proximal humerus. Retrograde pinning of the distal fragment in humeral fractures in the dog may damage the articular cartilage and cannot be recommended.

Preferential accumulation of meloxicam in inflamed synovial joints of dogs

MELOXICAM is a NSAID classified as a derivative of enolic acid, licensed to treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders in the dog. Meloxicam achieves maximal plasma concentration 4.5 hours after...

Measurement of glycosaminoglycans in canine synovial fluid and its correlation with the cause of secondary osteoarthritis, age and body weight

Glycosaminoglycans are natural components of healthy joint cartilage and they also appear in healthy synovial fluid. An increased amount of glycosaminoglycans in synovial fluid is believed to be a marker of secondary osteoarthritis, regardless of its primary cause. The aim of our study was to define the relationship between glycosaminoglycans in the synovial fluid and joint disorders, age, and body weight. The samples of synovial fluid were obtained from dogs suffering from secondary secondary osteoarthritis (n = 35) and from control dogs (n = 18); control dogs had normal body weight. The results were compared among joints of dogs with secondary osteoarthritis divided into groups according to the criteria mentioned above and control dogs. Glycosaminoglycan concentrations in synovial fluid were measured using dimethylmethylene blue assay. The lowest mean value of glycosaminoglycans in synovial fluid was measured in the control group. Significantly higher glycosaminoglycan content (P< 0.05) was found in synovial fluid isolated from obese dogs compared to control dogs. Furthermore, we observed an age-related trend, in which the highest mean values were reached either in old dogs or pups. Despite the absence of significant differences in glycosaminoglycan values among dogs suffering from various types of secondary secondary osteoarthritis, the highest mean values were measured in fragmented coronoid processus group. Our data suggest that abnormally increased body weight has an impact on glycosaminoglycan concentration in synovial fluid which may imply faster degradation and turnover of joint cartilage. Such observation has not yet been published in veterinary medicine.

Geometry of the femoral condyles in dogs

The stifle joint is one of the most important joints in dogs from the orthopaedic point of view. The aim of this study was to document the morphometric values of femoral condyles, given the close relationship between the shape and function of an anatomic structure. The left femora of 16 mid-sized dogs were used, and diameter and nine radii as well as cranial and caudal bow lengths from each condyle were measured. The photographs were taken of the distal femora from both sides. All measurements were obtained from these images by using software. Additionally, the rotation angle was calculated from the intercondylar distance and the difference between lateral and medial bow lengths. In addition to the rotation angle, the difference of diameter and nine radii between the lateral and medial condyles was determined. All radii except getting at 90° were significantly different between the medial and lateral condyles. The greatest values were determined in the caudal part of the medial condyle. This results the smaller contact area and a greater pressure on the underlying surface, and therefore the meniscus and articular cartilage of the caudal part of the medial side suggests the possibility of a risk of injury as the stifle joint flexes. The mean rotational angle of the femur was also calculated to be 2.18° laterally and 1.02° medially in the caudal and cranial parts of condyles, respectively. The result of this study showed that the lateral and medial condyles had different shapes in canine femur.

Magnetic resonance imaging of selected limb joints in dogs

The presented paper presents updated information concerning magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of shoulder joint, elbow joint and knee joint in dogs. It describes indications, planes, standard sequences, slice thickness to perform MRI examination of above mentioned joints. Besides general information about basic physics use in magnetic resonance imaging, and practical information about magnetic resonance and it usage in orthopedic examination are given.

Contribuição do contraste negativo na artrografia tomográfica do joelho normal de cães

A ruptura do ligamento cruzado cranial é uma das causas mais comuns de claudicação do membro pélvico de cães. A radiografia e a ultrassonografia são métodos de diagnóstico frequentemente utilizados na rotina clínica de pequenos animais, porém a tomografia computadorizada é uma modalidade de imagem ainda pouco estudada para avaliar a articulação do joelho de cães. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a contribuição do contraste negativo na artrografia tomográfica do joelho normal de cães, para visibilizar as estruturas intra-articulares e padronizar o uso desse contraste na articulação. Foram utilizados 24 membros pélvicos de cães de raças variadas, selecionados pela ausência de histórico de doença articular prévia do joelho e por apresentarem exames radiográficos, ultrassonográficos e macroscópicos normais. O experimento foi delineado em dois grupos, sendo o grupo I constituído de animais com peso até 20 kg e grupo II acima de 20 kg. Foram feitos cortes tomográficos com o membro flexionado e estendido. A quantidade média de ar empregada para a distensão da cápsula articular foi de 49 ml para o Grupo I e de 81 ml para o Grupo II. Utilizou-se um tubo de látex na porção distal à articulação do joelho para reduzir o escape de ar pelo tendão extensor digital profundo, que possui comunicação intra-articular. Foi possível visibilizar pela imagem tomográfica, em todas as articulações, as seguintes estruturas: ligamento cruzado cranial e caudal, meniscos medial e lateral, ligamento patelar, ligamentos colaterais e cápsula articular. Desta forma, o contraste negativo se mostrou uma alternativa eficaz para auxiliar a identificação das estruturas anatômicas do joelho na artrografia tomográfica.

Is kinematic analysis a reliable tool for osteochondral lesions dynamic evolution in dog

Identification of locomotor changes induced by oste ochondral lesions in the femorotibial joint in dogs.Movement of the femoroti bial joint in dogs with osteochondral lesions showed a decreasing of both flexion and ext ension during the stance phase. Coxofemoral joint was characterized by increased movement of the extension during the stance phase, especially from the mid-stance to the end of stance phase. The obtained data for Post-lesion dogs could be used for comparison with data obtained during/after the treatment of osteochondral lesions, to assess the possibility of normal motion recovery.

Excision arthroplasty of the hip joint in dogs and cats

Excision arthroplasty of the hip joint in dogs and cats

Modified Knowles toggle pin technique with nylon monofilament suture material for treatment of two caudoventral hip luxation cases

The coxofemoral joint is the most commonly luxated joint in dogs and cats. Coxofemoral luxations are generally craniodorsal; caudoventral coxofemoral luxations are relatively rare occurrences and may be accompanied by fracture of the greater trochanter. The aim of our study was to report the results of a modified Knowles toggle pin application in two caudoventral hip luxations for which closed reduction had not been achieved. Medical records of dogs and cats, which had been presented at our institution between September 1999 and October 2007, were reviewed for cases of coxofemoral luxation. In total, the case records of 67 cats and 147 dogs were found. Of these cases, there was one cat and one dog with caudoventral coxofemoral luxation. For both cases, the toggle pin technique was the method of treatment. The cat had a good clinical recovery within three days after surgery. The dog, which also had a cruciate ligament rupture in the same limb and medial patellar luxation in the contralateral limb, was presented with severe lameness and pain approximately two and a half months after surgery, at which time fracture of the femoral head was diagnosed. Functional recovery was achieved after a femoral head and neck ostectomy had been performed.

Excision arthroplasty of the hip joint in dogs and cats

From 1978 to 1989, 132 dogs and 51 cats underwent femoral head and neck ostectomy at the Department of Veterinary Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany. Clinical and radiographic re-evaluations were carried out an average of four years postoperatively in 81 (44%) of the animals, and gait analysis was also done in 17. The functional results were rated good in 38% of patients, satisfactory in 20%, and poor in 42%. However 96% of the owners were satisfied with the results. Kinetic and kinematic measurements showed that although femoral head and neck resection alleviated pain, it resulted in functional deficits in small as well as large breed dogs. These deficits were not visible during rapid movement.

Evaluation of the activity of intraarticular hyaluronic acid in the repair of experimentally induced osteochondral defects of the stifle joint in dogs

The present study examined the results of using hyaluronic acid with autogenetic cancellous grafts in the treatment of experimentally induced osteochondral defects in the stifle joints of dogs. In this study, 10 mature dogs of different breeds, weights and of both sexes were used. General anesthesia and usual operation procedures were followed. A 10 mm deep defect was created on the femoral sulcus of the trochlea with a drill tip of 8 mm in diameter. The defects in the right and left legs were filled with autogenic cancellous grafts taken from the metaphysial region of the tibia. The left legs constituted the experimental group while the right legs served as control group. In the experimental group, 2 mg/kg intraarticular hyaluronic acid was twice administered into the stifle joint, i.e., immediately subsequent to the operation and 1 month afterwards. Parenteral antibiotics were prescribed postoperatively for ten days. Five animals were sacrificed at the third and sixth month after surgery. Macroscopic and microscopic findings obtained from each case were evaluated. On macroscopical examination, trochlear defects were determined to be incompletely filled at the third month in both control and experimental groups. On histopathologic examination, a loose fibrovascular formation in the area where the graft was applied was observed to be present in both control and experimental groups. However, in the experimental group this formation was more superficial, ossification activity was greater and trabeculous bone formation had been initiated. Macroscopical examination carried out in the sixth month determined that in the control group the defect surface did not fill up to the trochlear sulcus level. In the histopathologic examination, in control groups it was found that fibrocartilageous structures were developing in the fibrovascular space even though ossification was incomplete. The macroscopic examination showed that in the experimental group, the defect surface reached the trochlear sulcus level of defects in this month. The histopatologic examination revealed that fibrous tissue comprised a thin layer, under which ossification processes were complete and bone trabeculates fully formed. It was concluded that the usage of autogenic cancellous graft along with hyaluronic acid may be useful in the repair of large osteochondral defects.

Identification of quantitative trait loci for osteoarthritis of hip joints in dogs

To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with osteoarthritis (OA) of hip joints of dogs by use of a whole-genome microsatellite scan. 116 founder, backcross, F1, and F2 dogs from a crossbred pedigree. Necropsy scores and an optimized set of 342 microsatellite markers were used for interval mapping by means of a combined backcross and F2 design module from an online statistical program. Breed and sex were included in the model as fixed effects. Age of dog at necropsy and body weight at 8 months of age were also included in the model as covariates. The chromosomal location at which the highest F score was obtained was considered the best estimate of a QTL position. Chromosome-wide significance thresholds were determined empirically from 10,000 permutations of marker genotypes. 4 chromosomes contained putative QTL for OA of hip joints in dogs at the 5% chromosome-wide significance threshold: chromosomes 5, 18, 23, and 31. Osteoarthritis of canine hip joints is a complex disease to which many genes and environmental factors contribute. Identification of contributing QTL is a strategy to elucidate the genetic mechanisms that underlie this disease. Refinement of the putative QTL and subsequent candidate gene studies are needed to identify the genes involved in the disease process.

Expression of μ-opioid receptor in synovium tissue in acute inflamed knee joint of dogs

Objective:To observe the changes of mu-opioid receptors(MOR)expression in acute inflamed knee joint synovium tissue of dogs,so as to discuss the feasibility of using peripheral local opioid for analgesia in acute inflammation.Methods:Knee joint synovium tissues were taken from 9 dogs with acute arthritis and 8 dogs with normal knee joints.The expression of MOR protein and mRNA was examined by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR.Results:The expression of MOR mRNA in the acute inflamed group was significantly higher than that in the normal control group(34.40±5.48 % vs16.54±8.03 %,P0.05).Immunohistochemical result showed more positive staining of MOR particles and stronger signal in the acute arthritis group than in normal control group.The immunohistochemical index of MOR positive cells in the acute arthritis was significantly higher than that in normal control group(323 175.00±92 614.94 vs 175 444.10±75 149.06,P0.05).Conclusion:MOR exists in the knee joint synovium tissue of dogs,and acute inflammation can enhance the expression of MOR.

Connective tissue in non-union and pseudarthrosis of long bones. Part I: Capsule of false joints in dogs (author's transl)

Animal experiments were carried out on 28 dogs which underwent osteotomy of the femur without postoperative fixation. For systematic light- and transmission electron microscopy tissue from this area of 7 dogs was prepared. Result was a functional morphology of connective tissue. Instability of bone fragments is regarded as the most important factor in pathogenesis of pseudarthrosis. Pathologic mobility in the osteotomy area caused specific altered differentiation of local connective tissue cells, leading to a joint capsule-like formation of connective tissue. "Lining cells" to the pseudarthrotic cavity are fibroblasts and histiocyts, comparable to the "lining cells" of normal stratum synoviale. These cells are surrounded by some collagenous fibres and large amounts of amorphous ground substances. They derive means of numerous transitional forms. The capsule-like tissue formation aside the pseudarthrotic cavity is comparable to stratum synoviale of normal joints. In some of these capsule-like areas there are degenerative alterations similar to those of joint capsules in osteoarthritis.

Bacterial infective arthritis of the coxofemoral joint in dogs with hip dysplasia

The objective of this study was to describe seven cases of unilateral bacterial infective coxarthritis from a total of 19 cases of bacterial infective arthritis (BIA), presenting over a two year period. We recorded the history, clinical signs, diagnostic process, treatment and clinical outcome in these cases. The data were obtained from medical records, review of the radiographs, and telephone follow-up with the owners. All of the dogs in this study had severe chronic osteoarthritis secondary to hip dysplasia, which caused periodic hind limb lameness. They were all admitted with severe acute hind-limb lameness. Pelvic radiographs were performed under general anaesthesia shortly after presentation, followed immediately by arthrocentesis of the affected joint. The synovial fluid was evaluated microscopically by direct smear and a sample was sent for culture and sensitivity. An attempt was not made to drain or lavage the affected joint during the course of treatment. The initial choice of antibiotics was empiric and subsequently modified, as required, based on the sensitivity results. Four of the dogs showed a rapid return to weight-bearing after the initiation of antibiotic treatment, and all of the patients returned to their pre-BIA level of function. Neither recurrent infections nor any adverse sequela requiring further intervention were reported by the owners on telephone follow-up.

Conditions of the temporomandibular joint in dogs and cats

ALTHOUGH clinical conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints are encountered infrequently, it is not uncommon for veterinary surgeons to be presented with animals suffering from prehension or mastication difficulties, for which...

Cytokine mRNA expression in synovial fluid of affected and contralateral stifle joints and the left shoulder joint in dogs with unilateral disease of the stifle joint

To examine mRNA expression of cytokines in synovial fluid (SF) cells from dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture and medial patellar luxation (MPL) and determine mRNA expression for 3 joints (affected stifle, unaffected contralateral stifle, and left shoulder joints) in dogs with unilateral CrCL rupture. 29 stifle joints with CrCL rupture (29 dogs), 8 stifle joints with MPL (7 dogs), and 24 normal stifle joints (16 clinically normal dogs). Immediately before reconstructive surgery, SF was aspirated from the cruciate-deficient stifle joint or stifle joint with MPL. Fourteen of 29 dogs had unilateral CrCL rupture; SF was also aspirated from the unaffected contralateral stifle joint and left shoulder joint. Those 14 dogs were examined 6 and 12 months after reconstructive surgery. Total RNA was extracted from SF cells and reverse transcription-PCR assay was performed to obtain cDNA. Canine-specific cytokine mRNA expression was determined by use of a real-time PCR assay. Interleukin (IL)-8 and -10 and interferon-gamma expression differed significantly between dogs with arthropathies and dogs with normal stifle joints. For the 14 dogs with unilateral CrCL rupture, a significant difference was found for IL-8 expression. Before reconstructive surgery, IL-8 expression differed significantly between the affected stifle joint and left shoulder joint or contralateral stifle joint. Six months after surgery, IL-8 expression was significantly increased in the unaffected contralateral stifle joint, compared with the shoulder joint. No conclusions can be made regarding the role of the examined cytokines in initiation of CrCL disease.

Tibial Tuberosity Advancement for Stabilization of the Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament‐Deficient Stifle Joint: Surgical Technique, Early Results, and Complications in 101 Dogs

To describe the surgical technique, early results and complications of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) for treatment for cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient stifle joints in dogs. Retrospective clinical study. Dogs (n=101) with CrCL-deficient stifles (114). Medical records of 101 dogs that had TTA were reviewed. Complications were recorded and separated into either major or minor complications based on the need for additional surgery. In-hospital re-evaluation of limb function and time to radiographic healing were reviewed. Further follow-up was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Complications occurred in 31.5% of the dogs (12.3% major, 19.3% minor). Major complications included subsequent meniscal tear, tibial fracture, implant failure, infection, lick granuloma, incisional trauma, and medial patellar luxation; all major complications were treated with successful outcomes. All but 2 minor complications resolved. The mean time to documented radiographic healing was 11.3 weeks. Final in-hospital re-evaluation of limb function (mean, 13.5 weeks), was recorded for 93 dogs with lameness categorized as none (74.5%), mild (23.5%), moderate (2%), and severe (1%). All but 2 owners interviewed were satisfied with outcome and 83.1% reported a marked improvement or a return to pre-injury status. TTA is a procedure comparable with alternate methods of CrCL repair with expected good to excellent functional outcome. TTA procedure can be successfully used to obtain the dynamic stability of a CrCL-deficient stifle joint in dogs.