Page 204 - Canine Lameness

176 13 Carpal Region

(A) (C) (E)

CARPAL REGION (F)

(B) (D)

(G)

Figure 13.3 Immune-mediated polyarthritis: (A, B) dog with nonerosive polyarthritis; (C–F) dog with
erosive polyarthritis: (A) lateral view of the carpus with (white arrow) soft tissue opacity; (B) no lytic
osseous changes are seen; (C, D) note the (white arrow) soft tissue opacity and lytic osseous changes; (E, F)
visible, severe carpal joint effusion; (G) joint effusion is best palpated dorsally by identifying the extent of
the distal radius during flexion, identifying the joint space.
is crucial. In dogs with unilateral problems, comparing the length and geometry of the ulna and
radius from both thoracic limbs greatly facilitates the assessment. Surgical treatment options that
may prevent the development or limit the severity of deformities (e.g. distal ulnar ostectomy) are
available, although they are only effective if performed while growth potential remains.
Carpal bone fractures are rare overall and most commonly occur in sporting dogs. Among these,
accessory carpal bone fractures are among the most common fractures seen in racing Greyhounds.
Accessory carpal bone fractures have been classified into Type I–V based on the avulsed or crushed
portion of the bone (Johnson 1987; Johnson et al. 1989). To detect damage to the accessory carpal
bone, digital pressure is applied to the bone while slowly extending the carpus. Radial carpal bone
fractures have been seldom reported (Li et al. 2000; Tomlin et al. 2001). Incomplete ossification of the