FUNDAMENTALS OF ARTHROCENTESIS AND ARTHROGRAPHY OF THE FELINE HIND-LIMB JOINTS

The purpose of the present paper was to find out the most suitable localizations to puncture of hip, stifle and hock joints of the domestic cat. These joints are arthrographically presented. Further six contrast mediums in normal commercial usage were tested with regard to there Contrast intensity. The only recommendable localization to arthrocentesis of the hip joint is at the cranial border of the greater trochanter of the femur. The stifle joint is approachable either al the medial or lateral border of the Lig. patellae. To puncture the proximal row of the hock joint the recommendable puncture site was found distal of the lateral malleolus between the tendons of the lateral digital extensor muscle and m. extensor digitorum longus. Any arthrocentesis of the distal row of the hock joint isn't recommendable. Contrast mediums with a iodine concentration below 300 mg/ml were not sufficient for arthrography.