• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.243-248
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• 2001

Radiographic findings of degenerative joint disease (DJD) in the coxofemoral joints were studied in 108 dogs referred to Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University. Radiographic findings were identified with a extended ventrodorsal projection. Clinical signs such as pain in the affected joint, exercise intolerance, lameness, crepitation on flexion and extension of the joint and decreased range of motion, were shown in 40% and radiographic changes of bilateral coxofemoral joints were identified in 69% of a group of dogs. There are no sex predilections. Thirty-seven dogs were diagnosed as canine hip dysplasia (CHD; 10 cases), avascular necrosis of the femoral head (Legg-Calves-Perthes disease [LCPD]; 12 cases), fracture of the acetabulum (1 case), luxation(10 cases) and subluxation (15 cases), however, luxation and subluxation were identified in 11 dogs affected with CHD and LCPD. Causes of DJD in others (71case) were not identified. Radio-graphic findings identified included osteophyte formation at the attachment of the joint capsule (70%), sclerosis of the subchondral bone of the cranial acetabular edge (47%), remodeling of the femoral head (34%), thickening of the femoral neck(31%), perichondral osteophyte formation (31%), joint laxity (30%) and so on. All of the dogs diagnosed as CHD were large breed such as Retriever, Germain Shepherd, and Weimaraner and their age was under 1 year. This condition occurred bilaterally in 70% of affected animals. Dogs diagnosed as LCPD were young (under 1 year), small breed dogs. The incidence of LCPD is greater in Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Pinscher and Poodle. This condition occurred unilaterally in 67% of affected animals. Clinical signs of dogs with unknown cause were shown in 15% and this condition occurred bilaterally in 75% of affected animals. Radiographic findings varied with patient's age and breed, however, the most common finding was osteophyte formation at the attachment of the joint capsule.