Summary
Three four-month-old female grey-hound siblings with osteochondral fragmentation of
the lateral aspect of the patella are presented. One dog was affected unilaterally
and two bilaterally. The dogs exhibited mild weight-bearing lameness, slight flexion
of the stifle, and discomfort during full flexion and extension of affected stifles.
A non-palpable, mild synovial effusion was cytologically consistent with chronic inflammation
and compatible with osteochondrosis and degenerative joint disease. The hallmark clinical
sign was a characteristic prominence of the patella. Cranioproximalcraniodistal oblique
(skyline) radio-graphs and transverse CT scans revealed osteochondral fragments and
defects of the patella. The osteochondral fragments were surgically excised in two
dogs and one dog was necropsied. The osteochondral fragments and patellae were evaluated
histologically. Macroscopic and microscopic features of the osteochondral tissues
were characteristic of osteochondrosis.
Osteochondrosis of the patella was diagnosed in three sibling Greyhounds. The hallmark
clinical sign was enlargement and prominence of the patella. Radiographic examination,
cranioproximal-craniodistal oblique view, demonstrated the fragmented lateral border
of the patella. Findings from computed tomography and histopathological examination
are described. Surgical excision of the fragment in two dogs restored satisfactory
function.
Keywords
Canine patella - osteochondral fragmentation - osteochondrosis
