Case Study

RAD and ORTHO- Coxofemoral arthritis and cranial cruciate ligament(CCL) degenerative joint disease in a 6 year old FS German Shepherd

This 6 year old FS German Shepherd presented with left hind lameness.

Image Interpretation

RAD of pelvis/stifles: The left acetabulum presents moderate subchodral bone sclerosis and a mild amount of osteophytes at the acetabular rim. The femoral head and neck present a moderate amount of circumferential osteophytes. Incongruity of the coxofemoral joint space is not noted.

Ultrasound of the stifles:

In the left stifle, mild joint effusion is noted within the supra- and infrapatellar recesses. The synovialmembranes present mild thickening emphasizing the area superficial to the cranial cruciate ligament. The cranial cruciate ligament presents continuous with decreased echogenicity, diffuse swelling and slightly undulating margination. The cranial portion of the medial meniscus is seen and within normal limits. The right stifle is similar but with scant joint effusion and the CCL has regular echogenicity and even margination.

DX

Moderate osteoarthritis of the left coxofemoral joint with mid disuse atrophy of the left hind limb musculature Emerging degenerative joint disease with mild synovitis and effusion as well as edema of the cranial cruciate ligament of the left stifle joint

Outcome

Biomechanical failure is unlikely in the left stifle at this point. No evidence of meniscal pathology.
Mild joint effusion likely compatible with a comparably earlier stage of emerging
degenerative joint disease of the right stifle joint. No evidence of cranial cruciate
ligament or meniscal pathology at this point.