Radiographic evaluation of elbow incongruity in Skye terriers

OBJECTIVESAims of this study were to radiographically evaluate elbow congruity and to explore associations between elbow incongruity and lameness in Skye terriers. METHODSMediolateral, 90 degrees-flexed, elbow joint radiographs were obtained for 45 Skye terriers. Elbow joint incongruity was graded mild, moderate or severe by measuring the width of the humeroulnar joint space. A questionnaire provided information on lameness history for each dog. RESULTSIn total, 49% (22/45) of the dogs had moderate or severe elbow joint incongruity which associated with lameness. Owner-reported lameness was common: 15/45 (33%) dogs had been lame when less than one year old, and 6 (14%) had been lame at an older age. All dogs presenting with lameness when older than one year had also been lame in adolescence. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCELameness and moderate-to-severe elbow joint incongruity were common in Skye terriers and the two were associated. A novel protocol for radiographic screening of elbow joint incongruity of chondrodystrophic breeds is suggested.