Comparison of three radiographic methods for diagnosis of hip dysplasia in eight-month-old dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the accuracy of the extended-hip radiographic (EHR) score, the distraction index (DI), and the dorsolateral subluxation (DLS) score for identifying hip dysplasia in dogs at 8 months of age.


METHODS
Cohort study


METHODS
129 Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, and Labrador Retriever-Greyhound crossbreds.


METHODS
Radiography was performed when dogs were 8 months of age. Dogs were euthanatized at 8 to 36 months of age; hip dysplasia was diagnosed at the time of necropsy on the basis of results of a gross examination of the articular cartilage of the hip joints for signs of osteoarthritis.


RESULTS
The EHR score, DI, and DLS score at 8 months of age were all significantly correlated with degree of cartilage degeneration at necropsy. Sensitivity and specificity of using EHR score at 8 months of age to diagnose hip dysplasia (scores > 3 were considered abnormal) were 38 and 96%, respectively; sensitivity and specificity of using DI (values > 0.7 were considered abnormal) were 50 and 89%; and sensitivity and specificity of using DLS score (scores < 55% were considered abnormal) were 83 and 84%.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggested that specificities of the 3 methods for diagnosing hip dysplasia in dogs at 8 months of age were similar. However, the DLS score had higher sensitivity, indicating that there were fewer false-negative results.
Lust
G
G
James A. Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Todhunter
R J
RJ
Erb
H N
HN
Dykes
N L
NL
Williams
A J
AJ
Burton-Wurster
N I
NI
Farese
J P
JP
D000818:Animals; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D006619:Hip Dysplasia, Canine / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016474:Weight-Bearing