The early development of medial coronoid disease in growing Labrador retrievers: Radiographic, computed tomographic, necropsy and micro-computed tomographic findings

Abstract

Medial coronoid disease (MCD) encompasses lesions of the entire medial coronoid process (MCP), both of the articular cartilage and the subchondral bone. To detect the earliest signs of MCD, radiography and computed tomography were used to monitor the development of MCD in 14 Labrador retrievers, from 6 to 7 weeks of age until euthanasia. The definitive diagnosis of MCD was based on necropsy and micro-computed tomography findings. The frequency of MCD in the dogs studied was 50%. Radiographic findings did not provide evidence of MCD, ulnar subtrochlear sclerosis or blunting of the cranial edge of the MCP. Computed tomography was more sensitive (30.8%) than radiography (0%) in detecting early MCD, with the earliest signs detectable at 14 weeks of age. A combination of the necropsy and micro-computed tomography findings of the MCP showed that MCD was manifested as a lesion of only the subchondral bone in dogs <18 weeks of age. In all dogs (affected and unaffected), there was close contact between the base of the MCP and the proximal radial head in the congruent joints. Computed tomography and micro-computed tomography findings indicated that the lesions of MCD probably originated at the base of the MCP.

Topographic Bone Density of the Radius and Ulna in Greyhounds and Labrador Retrievers With and Without Medial Coronoid Process Disease

“…As far as we are aware, this is the first study to document this observation. Previous studies describe the close relationship between the ulna and radial head . Analysis suggested that an intact MCP has a role in load distribution across the craniomedial aspect of the radioulnar articulation, as demonstrated by group 4 having statistically significant lower RRBD in zones 1 and 2—adjacent to the MCP, whereas groups 2 and 3 have similar results.…”

“…Previous studies describe the close relationship between the ulna and radial head. 28,34,35 Analysis suggested that an intact MCP has a role in load distribution across the craniomedial aspect of the radioulnar articulation, as demonstrated by group 4 having statistically significant lower RRBD in zones 1 and 2-adjacent to the MCP, whereas groups 2 and 3 have similar results. These results support the possibility of a joint incongruity being a significant factor in the pathogenesis of MCPD.…”

Inter‐ and intraobserver agreement in interpretation of CT features of medial coronoid process disease

“…CT has also been demonstrated to be more sensitive than radiographs for the identification of MCPD (with a sensitivity of 86·7 and 56·7%, respectively) (Carpenter et al ). Subsequently, CT has become widely used in the assessment of elbow congruity and changes affecting the MCP (Voorhout & Hazewinkel , Haudiquet et al , Klumpp et al , Lau et al , 2014). Cartilaginous changes and overt fragmentation of the MCP can also be evaluated arthroscopically and it has been recommended that both diagnostic modalities should be combined for the most accurate assessment of medial coronoid disease (Moores et al ).…”

“…CT has also been demonstrated to be more sensitive than radiographs for the identification of MCPD (with a sensitivity of 86·7 and 56·7%, respectively) (Carpenter et al 1993). Subsequently, CT has become widely used in the assessment of elbow congruity and changes affecting the MCP (Voorhout & Hazewinkel 1987, Haudiquet et al 2002, Klumpp et al 2010, Lau et al 2013. Cartilaginous changes and overt fragmentation of the It is recognised that orthopaedic clinicians and radiologists have differing opinions regarding the severity of changes, particular sclerosis, affecting the MCP on transverse CT images.…”

The oldest case yet reported of osteoarthritis in a dog: an archaeological and radiological evaluation

“…OA of the elbow in modern immature dogs is most often the consequence of primary hereditary elbow diseases including UAP, FMCP, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) or joint incongruity (Grøndalen & Grøndalen , Lau et al . , Kirberger & Fourie , Temwichitr et al . , Tirgari ) and, in addition, trauma‐associated OA can occur.…”