Arthroscopic verification of ultrasonographic diagnosis of meniscal pathology in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the clinical usefulness of ultrasonography for diagnosis of meniscal pathology in dogs.


METHODS
Double-blind prospective study.


METHODS
Dogs (n=10) with lameness localized to the stifle.


METHODS
Sonographic examination of each affected stifle was performed by 1 ultrasonographer unaware of specific historical and clinical data for the dog. Sonographic findings were recorded, but not reviewed until study completion. Arthroscopic examination of the affected stifle was performed within 48 hours of ultrasonography by 1 surgeon unaware of ultrasonographic findings. Arthroscopic findings were recorded, but not reviewed until study completion. Two investigators compared the ultrasonographic and arthroscopic findings at study completion to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.


RESULTS
Two of the 10 dogs had bilateral stifle evaluation. Twenty-four lateral and medial menisci, with normal and abnormal findings, were examined. The sensitivity and specificity for ultrasonographic diagnosis were 90.0% and 92.9%, respectively; positive and negative predictive values were 90.0% and 92.9%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonography is highly specific and sensitive for diagnosing bucket handle tears of the medial meniscus in dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonographic evaluation of menisci in dogs is a noninvasive method for accurately and efficiently diagnosing pathology, determining the need for surgical intervention, and providing comprehensive information to clients.
Mahn
Matthew M
MM
Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
Cook
James L
JL
Cook
Cristi Reeves
CR
Balke
Michael T
MT
D000818:Animals; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013264:Stifle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*