The relationship between limb function and radiographic osteoarthrosis in dogs with stifle osteoarthrosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the relationship between limb function and radiographic evidence of stifle osteoarthrosis (OA) in dogs.


METHODS
The relationship between force platform data and radiographic OA score was evaluated on 2 separate days using regression analysis. Interday variation was also assessed.


METHODS
Forty-one dogs with visible lameness and radiographic evidence of stifle OA.


METHODS
Force platform data were collected at a velocity of 1.7 to 2.0 m/s for 5 trials on day 1 and day 8. Radiographs taken on day 1 were scored using a previously reported OA scoring system.


RESULTS
No significant relationship was found between force platform data and OA score. No significant differences were found between any day 1 and day 8 force platform values.


CONCLUSIONS
Although radiographic evidence of stifle OA provides evidence of pathology, it does a poor job of representing limb function. In addition, the absence of significant differences between day 1 and day 8 values in this population of dogs supports use of only a single force platform evaluation before measuring a treatment effect.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of OA in the stifle joint does not correlate with clinical function; radiographic outcome should be used cautiously as a predictor of clinical outcome.
Department of Clinical Sciences, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Wanda J
WJ
Gordon
Michael G
MG
Conzemius
Elizabeth
E
Riedesel
Michael F
MF
Besancon
Richard
R
Evans
Vicki
V
Wilke
Matthew J
MJ
Ritter
D000818:Animals; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011859:Radiography / Q000662:veterinary; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013264:Stifle