Case Study

ORTHO – Mild generalized degenerative joint disease (DJD) with synovialitis, osteophytosis in a 6 year old MN Labrador Retriever mix

This 6 year old MN Labrador Retriever mix dog has a history of right hind lameness. Ultrasound of the left stifle today

DX

The ultrasonographic examination of the left stifle joint shows no evidence of cruciate ligament or meniscal pathology.

Image Interpretation

Ultrasound of the left stifle –

The suprapatellar recess is within normal limits. A mild amount of anechoic effusion and marked synovial thickening are noted within the infrapatellar recess of the stifle joint. Emerging periarticular osteophytes are noted. The cranial and caudal cruciate ligament (CCL) are continuous with even outline and regular echo pattern. The medial meniscus is in situ and of uniform echogenicity with even surface.

Outcome

Mild chronic degenerative joint disease (DJD) with effusion, synovialitis and emerging osteophytosis is noted. The changes are unlikely to be of clinical significance at present. However progression of the DJD should be expected and commonly affects all components of the joint including the cranial cruciate ligament.