Radiographic measurements of the hindlimbs in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous, Linnaeus, 1766).

Life expectancy of crab-eating foxes in captivity is approximately 11 years, which favours the development of diseases including orthopaedic disorders. However, to understand disorders that may affect these animals, it is worth determining a normal range of measurements. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate radiographic measurements of joint angles of the hindlimbs and the ratio of patellar ligament length to patellar length in healthy crab-eating foxes. Fifteen captive crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous), eight males and seven females, aged more than 1 year old, weighing 5.5-7.9 kg were used. Anatomic and mechanical femoral joint angles were assessed in ventrodorsal radiographic views, and mediolateral views were taken to measure patellar ligament length and patellar length, and the tibial plateau angle. The right and left hindlimbs were evaluated. All measurements were conducted in triplicate by the same investigator. No statistically significant differences were observed between sides in the radiographic measurements. The anatomic lateral proximal femoral angle and the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle recorded mean values of 95.43° and 92.75°, respectively. The mechanical lateral proximal femoral angle and the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle recorded mean values of 93.39° and 96.75°, respectively. Inclination angles measured according to the Tomlinson, Hauptman A and Hauptman B methods were 133.80°, 147.32° and 128.63°, respectively. The tibial plateau recorded 18.77°, and the ratio of the patellar ligament length to the patellar length was 1.99. In conclusion, the collected data are important to characterize the normal values of crab-eating fox limbs.

Absence of bony patella in the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris): Morphology and diagnostic imaging.

Patella, the kneecap, is the best known and largest of the sesamoid bones and is present in the quadriceps femoris tendon. Typical patella appears in all extant mammals, with the exception of some marsupials and bats. No description about the white-eared opossum stifle was found in the available literature up to now. Thus, the knee joints of 16 Didelphis albiventris were examined by gross anatomy, histology, radiography and computed tomography images to determine the presence or absence of ossified patella in this animal. The most remarkable observation in white-eared opossum is the absence of a bony patella. The femoral trochlea is shallow, and the lateral gastrocnemius sesamoids are shown up in all opossums. The quadriceps femoris tendon is composed mainly of dense regular connective tissue with a classic fibrocartilage pad on the superficial surface of the tendon. The absence of a true patella seems to be typical for marsupials.

Osteology and radiology of the Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) pelvic limb.

This study describes the osteology and radiology of the pelvic limb in maned wolves. Ten (five live and five dead) maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), five males and five females, aged from 2 to 7 years old were used. Digital radiographs were taken and recorded for both pelvic limbs in all animals. Osteology was correlated with the radiographic images. The pelvis had a rectangular shape, and the obturator foramen (foramen obturatum) was oval. The femoral neck (collum femoris) was short and thick. The greater trochanter (trochanter major) extended proximally to near the dorsum of the femoral head (caput ossis femoris). The lateral femoral condyle (condylus lateralis) was larger than the medial condyle (condylus medialis), and the intercondylar fossa (fossa intercondylaris) had a slightly oblique orientation. The proximal tibia displayed medial and lateral condyles with the medial larger. The femur was slightly shorter than the tibia. Seven tarsal bones (ossa tarsi) were present, four long metatarsal bones (ossa metatarsalia II - V) and a short first metatarsal bone (os metatarsal I).

Kinematic analysis of Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers trotting on a treadmill.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to evaluate kinematic patterns in clinically normal Labrador and Rottweiler dogs trotting on a treadmill at a constant velocity. METHODS: Ten Labrador Retrievers aged from 2.2 to 5.1 years, and 10 Rottweilers aged from two to 5.9 years were used. A three-dimensional capture system was used to perform analysis of joint kinematics. Kinematic data were collected by use of a triple-camera system. The kinematic study was performed first on the right side of the dog, and then on the left side. Data were analysed by use of a motion-analysis program. Flexion and extension joint angles, angular velocity and angular acceleration were determined for the shoulder, elbow, carpal, hip, stifle, and tarsal joints. RESULTS: Within each group, the differences between the right and left limbs in all variables were not significant. Significant differences occurred between Labradors and Rottweilers in the following categories: angular displacement and minimum angular acceleration of the stifle (Rottweiler >Labrador); angular displacement and maximum angular velocity of the tarsus (Rottweiler >Labrador); minimum angular velocity of the shoulder (Labrador >Rottweiler); angular displacement, maximum angular acceleration, maximum angular velocity, and minimum angular velocity of the elbow (Labrador>Rottweiler); and maximum angle and maximum angular velocity of the carpus (Labrador>Rottweiler). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both breeds had similar kinematic patterns, but there were magnitude differences, especially of the elbow and stifle joints. Therefore, each breed should have a specific database.