Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How accurate is Finnish elbow dysplasia screening in Labradors
By Lappalainen, A K et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2013·Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of accuracy of the Finnish elbow dysplasia screening protocol in Labrador retrievers.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 13 Labrador retrievers was evaluated for elbow dysplasia, a condition that can cause joint pain and limping. The dogs underwent X-rays and CT scans to see how well the current screening method worked. The results showed that while the standard X-ray method was reliable, adding another specific X-ray view improved the accuracy of the diagnosis. This means that if your Labrador is showing signs of elbow pain, a more thorough screening could help ensure a correct diagnosis and better treatment options.
People also search for: Labrador elbow dysplasia symptoms · dog limping treatment · elbow pain in dogs · X-ray for dog elbow problems
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the current Finnish screening method using a single flexed mediolateral view as scored by osteophyte is sufficient to diagnose mild elbow dysplasia in Labrador retrievers and to determine if an additional craniocaudal oblique projection would result in improvement in the screening protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen dogs with one mildly affected elbow joint and one elbow joint without radiological evidence of osteophytes were studied. Radiographic and computed tomography studies were performed and the results compared with each other. RESULTS: Medial compartment disease was observed in 14 of 26 joints based on computed tomography. The sensitivity and specificity of the grading based mainly on osteoarthritis was 79 and 92%, respectively. A strong association existed between elbow dysplasia based on computed tomography and medial humeral epicondylar osteophytes on the craniocaudal projection. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A single mediolateral flexed radiograph is reliable in diagnosing mild elbow dysplasia in Labrador retrievers. However, the craniocaudal oblique projection increases the specificity of the diagnosis, and it is proposed that it be included in the radiographic protocol in this breed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23496102/