Case Study

ORTHO – Chronic degenerative joint disease (DJD) wit synovialitis and joint effusion in the right stifle of a 11 year old MN dog

This 11 year old MN dog presented with a history of right hind lameness. Rads show swelling in right stifle.

DX

mild to moderate generalized chronic degenerative joint disease (DJD) with synovialitis as well as mild joint effusion and mild to moderate osteophytosis

Image Interpretation

ultrasound of the right stifle- Both the supra- and infrapatellar recess of the right stifle joint reveal mild effusion as well as synovial proliferation.
The cartilage layer on the femoral trochlea is mildly uneven in thickness.
A moderate amount of osteophytes is seen at the femoral trochlea/patella sulcus. A mild amount of osteophytes is present at the periarticular margins of the femorotibial joint.
The cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) is continuous but thickened with mildly irregular echogenicity and echotexture.
The infrapatellar fat body presents mild heterogeneity as found commonly in degenerative joint disease (DJD). The cranial and mid portion of the medial meniscus are well visible and in situ with even surface and uniform echogenicity.

Outcome

These findings of the CCL are suggestive for edema and emerging disintegration of the ligament. Biomechanical failure is not assumed at this point. It is more likely that the changes are secondary to other arthropathy such as activated arthritis, primary age related osteoarthritis or less likely immune mediated arthritis (including tick borne).
Aspiration of synovia is recommended for further definition.