Computed Tomography Topographical Analysis of Incomplete Humeral Intracondylar Fissures in English Springer Spaniel Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to use computed tomography (CT) images obtained from English springer spaniels (ESS) with different sizes of humeral intracondylar fissure (HIF) to describe the typical shape, origin and a possible propagation pattern of HIF in this breed. STUDY DESIGN: It is a retrospective analysis of 32 elbow CT from 27 ESS with incomplete HIF. Measurements included HIF articular surface length, centre of HIF at articular surface relative to the caudal edge of the supratrochlear foramen (CHIF), HIF depth and sagittal area of fissure. Measurement of isthmus area and diameter was obtained for each elbow. Humeral intracondylar fissure measurements were analysed as proportions of the isthmus. For parts of analysis, elbows were grouped by HIF area as a percentage of isthmus area (%HIF) into less than 20% (n = 10), 20 to less than 40% (n = 8), 40 to less than 60% (n = 9) and 60 to less than 90% (n = 5). RESULTS: The mean isthmus diameter was 12.31 mm (range: 10.96-13.69 mm). Mean CHIF for %HIF groups less than 20%, 20 to less than 40%, 40 to less than 60% and 60 to less than 90% were 57, 74, 86 and 96 degrees, respectively. The less than 20% group was significantly lower than 20 to less than 40% group (p = 0.035) and 40 to less than 60% and 60 to less than 90% groups (p < 0.001); the 20 to less than 40% group was significantly lower than the 60 to less than 90% group (p = 0.015). Humeral intracondylar fissure articular surface length increased in a sigmoidal fashion relative to %HIF, corresponding to segmental enlargement of the fissure as %HIF increases. CONCLUSION: In ESS, HIF typically originates approximately 57 degrees caudal to the supratrochlear foramen in the sagittal plane and may propagate in a segmental fashion with lesser propagation through the proximal intracondylar region.

The value of routine radiographic follow up in the postoperative management of canine medial patellar luxation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of radiographic examination on the recommendations made at the time of planned re-evaluation of dogs after medial patellar luxation (MPL) surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multi-institutional case series. ANIMALS: Client-owned dogs (N = 825) that underwent MPL surgery. METHODS: Records of 10 referral institutions were searched for dogs that had been treated surgically for unilateral MPL and underwent a planned follow-up visit, including radiographs. The frequency of, and reasons for, changes in further recovery recommendations were investigated. RESULTS: Follow up was performed at a median of 6 (range, 4-20) weeks postoperatively. Isolated radiographic abnormalities were identified in 3.3% (27/825) of dogs following MPL surgery and led to a change in recommendations in 3% (13/432) of dogs that were presented without owner or clinician concerns. Lameness, administration of analgesia at follow up, and history of unplanned visits prior to routine re-examination were associated with a change in postoperative plan (P < .001). In the absence of owner and clinician concerns, the odds of having a change in convalescence plans were not different, whether or not isolated radiographic abnormalities were present (P = .641). CONCLUSION: Routine radiographs at follow up did not influence postoperative management of most dogs after MPL surgery in the absence of abnormalities on clinical history or orthopedic examination. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dogs that were presented for routine follow up after unilateral MPL surgery without owner concerns, lameness, analgesic treatment or a history of unplanned visits, and for which examination by a surgical specialist was unremarkable, were unlikely to benefit from radiographs.