Evaluation of a radiographic caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte on the femoral neck and its relationship to degenerative joint disease and distraction index in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prevalence of a radiographic caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte (CCO) on the femoral neck in various breeds and age groups of dogs and to evaluate its contemporaneous relationship with degenerative joint disease (DJD) and distraction index (DI).


METHODS
Cross-sectional prevalence study.


METHODS
25,968 dogs, including 3,729 German Shepherd Dogs, 4,545 Golden Retrievers, 6,277 Labrador Retrievers, and 1,191 Rottweilers.


METHODS
Data from the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program database were analyzed, including ventrodorsal hip-extended, compression, and distraction radiographs. The CCO and radiographic signs of DJD were considered independent events and were interpreted as either present or absent. Statistical methods were used to evaluate the CCO as a possible risk factor for DJD and assess its association with DI, as measured by use of distraction radiography.


RESULTS
When all breeds were pooled, DJD was detected in 8.6% of dogs, and the CCO was detected in 21.6% of dogs. Among dogs with a CCO, 25.1% had radiographic evidence of DJD. Among dogs without a CCO, only 4% had DJD. Dogs with a CCO were 7.9 times as likely to have DJD as were those without a CCO. Additionally, DI, weight, and age were significant risk factors for the CCO.


CONCLUSIONS
Results confirm the contemporaneous association between the CCO and DJD and that passive hip laxity, as measured by use of the DI, is associated with both the CCO and DJD.
Mayhew
Philipp D
PD
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
McKelvie
Pamela J
PJ
Biery
Darryl N
DN
Shofer
Frances S
FS
Smith
Gail K
GK
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D001947:Breeding; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005272:Femur Neck / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006619:Hip Dysplasia, Canine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000473:pathology; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011859:Radiography; D012307:Risk Factors