Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Humeral head osteochondrosis rates in Swiss Mountain dogs and Border
By Ohlerth, S et al.·Published in Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde·2016·Klinik fü·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Prevalence of humeral head osteochondrosis in the Greater Swiss Mountain dog and the Border Collie in Switzerland.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that 14% of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and 8% of Border Collies in Switzerland had a condition called humeral head osteochondrosis, which affects the shoulder joint. This condition can cause changes in the bone structure, leading to joint pain and possibly degenerative joint disease. The findings suggest that veterinarians should be aware of this issue in these breeds, especially since affected dogs may experience more joint problems. Regular screening and early detection could help manage the condition effectively.
People also search for: Greater Swiss Mountain Dog shoulder problems · Border Collie joint pain · osteochondrosis in dogs
Abstract
Osteochondrosis (OC) is common in large-breed dogs. According to the breeding guidelines of the Swiss kennel clubs, the shoulder joints are included in the radiographic screening for joint diseases in the Greater Swiss Mountain dog (GSMD) and the Border Collie (BC) since 1993 and 2003, respectively. The aim of this study was to estimate the overall prevalence of humeral head OC in these 2 breeds in Switzerland based on the data of the Swiss National Dysplasia Committees. All radiographs were re-evaluated to assess single radiographic changes. From 1993 and 2003, accordingly, until 2013, the overall prevalence was 14% for the GSMD and 8% for the BC, respectively. Affected joints showed a focally reduced opacity or a flattened/indented contour of the caudal section of the humeral head. Articular flaps were only seen occasionally. Degenerative joint disease was significantly more common in OC affected joints (GSMD: 32%; BC: 20%) than in joints without OC. The present study is the first report on the prevalence of humeral head OC in a large cohort of GSMD and the BC over a long study period. In comparison to other breeds, the herein reported prevalences are in the mid to upper range. Results of the present study should alert veterinarians to the disease in these breeds and may serve as a starting point for further epidemiological and genetic studies.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27821378/