Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bone density loss in dog ankle joint with osteochondrosis
By Vali, Yasamin et al.·Published in BMC veterinary research·2025·Department of Companion Animals and Horses·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Subchondral bone density changes of the talus in dogs with tarsocrural osteochondrosis.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 8-month-old Labrador Retriever was diagnosed with tarsocrural osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a joint condition that can cause pain and limping. A special imaging test showed that the bone density in the affected joint was lower than normal, indicating damage, while the other joint had higher density. This suggests that the dog may be at risk for further joint problems in the future. Treatment options typically include rest, pain management, and possibly surgery to repair the damaged area, which can help improve the dog's mobility and comfort.
People also search for: Labrador Retriever limping · dog osteochondritis treatment · joint pain in puppies
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and osteochondrosis (OC) are multifactorial developmental joint diseases that can occur in various anatomical locations, including the tarsus of immature, rapidly growing large breed dogs. The pathogenesis of canine OCD and OC involves a disruption in endochondral ossification, resulting in a failure of matrix calcification and vascular invasion. This study aimed to investigate the subchondral bone density changes in Labrador Retrievers with tarsocrural OCD/ OC. RESULTS: A total of 8 dogs with unilateral tarsocrural OCD/ OC were included in the study and density was evaluated with Computed Tomography osteoabsorptiometry (CTOAM ). The findings revealed a significant decrease in subchondral bone density at the location of the OCD/ OC lesion, particularly at the medial trochlear ridge. This area of low density was surrounded by a higher density rim. Furthermore, the contralateral joint showed a significantly higher overall mineral density. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the significant changes in bone mineral density associated with tarsocrural OCD/ OC. The lower density in the affected joint suggests pathological alterations in the subchondral bone, which may impact the bone turnover and contribute to the development of secondary osteoarthrosis, subsequently. The higher density observed in the contralateral joint emphasizes the role of altered joint loading and adaptation in the subchondral bone.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40197485/