Objective: To determine the feasibility of sonographical examination of hip joints in non-sedated puppies and to assess the value of static and dynamic ultrasonography for the early diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia (CHD).
Methods: Prospective study was carried out. Five hundred and sixty-six puppies between the ages of 16 and 49 days underwent sonographical determination of the α-angle, joint laxity and distraction value (DV). Sonographical parameters were correlated to conventional radiographic CHD classification in the adult dogs.
Results: α-Angles between 74° and 89° (X±sd=82·8°±2·31°) were measured. Despite the feasibility of sonographical hip assessment in puppies, no statistically significant correlation was found between sonographical determinations of the α-angle, joint laxity, DV and conventional radiographic hip joint classification at the age of 12 to 24 months.
Clinical significance: Results of our study suggest that static and dynamic ultrasonography of hip joints in puppies between 16 and 49 days of age is technically feasible but cannot be recommended for detecting puppies that will develop CHD between the ages of 12 and 24 months.
© 2010 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.