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10

Diagnostic Imaging Techniques in Lameness Evaluation

Angela J. Marolf

Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA

10.1 Introduction

Diagnostic imaging is usually necessary in the assessment of patients presenting with lameness
and can often provide definitive diagnosis. Radiography and ultrasound have been performed in
dogs for evaluation of musculoskeletal conditions for many years in veterinary medicine, with
newer imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MR or MRI), computed tomogra-
phy (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT being utilized increasingly for diagnosis of
musculoskeletal disease in animal patients. Ideally, the diagnosis is made using the least costly and
most readily available imaging modality. This chapter will provide a brief overview of imaging
modalities used in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions and discuss which are better
selected for identification of certain clinical conditions. Imaging indications and findings for indi-
vidual regions are discussed in greater detail in Section 2, as they apply to the thoracic limb and
pelvic limb specifically. Table 10.1 provides an overview of current imaging modalities.

10.2 Radiography

Long the mainstay of imaging of the musculoskeletal system, radiography (Figure 10.1) continues
to be the frontline imaging choice in many disease processes because it is readily available, obtained
quickly, and relatively inexpensive. Moreover, it is excellent at identifying osseous changes includ-
ing fractures, advanced osteoarthritis, and certain congenital diseases. Many soft tissue changes
can be noted as well on radiographs, including joint effusion/hypertrophy and calcifying tendi-
nopathies (Lafuente et al. 2009). Additional views, such as special oblique (Figures 12.3 and 18.2),
skyline (Figure 15.12), and stress radiographs (Figure 13.8), are particularly useful in determining
location and extent of disease. However, disadvantages of radiography include ionizing radiation
and the possibility of underdiagnosis of certain disease processes. It is important for the clinician
to remember that normal radiographs of a limb or body part do not exclude disease, and additional
advanced imaging may be required for diagnosis.

Canine Lameness, First Edition. Edited by Felix Michael Duerr.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Companion website: www.wiley.com/go/duerr/lameness