Application of Conventional Radiography for Canine Locomotor System with Special Emphasis on Bony Pelvis, Pelvic limb and Hip Dysplasia

Abstract

The study was conducted at X-ray department in Police Dogs Administration (Ministry of Interior). German Shepherds are a very popular selection for use as working dogs. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas, and detection and holding of suspects. Thirty dogs of two breeds were put under investigations. 24 dogs were German shepherd (8 males and 16 females) and-the remaining six were males of local breed type. Their demographic data were obtained (age, weight . . . etc). A Poly mobile Siemens X-ray Machine was used. The clinical investigations were conducted in Laboratory Unit in Khartoum Teaching Hospital. Six German shepherd dogs were examined, three dogs diagnosed radiographically for hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis, while the other three dogs were examined as control group. The objectives of this study were to: develop breeding strategies to reduce the incidence of canine hip dysplasia, asses the standard traditional radiographic technique of canine pelvis and then to develop a new radiographic technique for hip dysplasia. Finally to assess the haematologic and chemical findings due to hip dysplasia complications. Pelvic and hind limb radiography was carried out with modification in order to obtain a new technique for hip dysphasia and pelvic limb, on the other hand, laboratory tests were done for six German-shepherd dogs. Histopathology and CT were done for one of the affected sample which had dysplastic hip and osteoarthritis. The result of this study showed that; the Dorso — Ventral flexed legs in best for visualization of the hip dysphasia and hind limb (femurs, tibiae and fibulae). Ventro-dorsal external rotation is best for demonstration of the lesser trochantor. Lateral view for tibiae, fibulae, tarsus, metatarsus and phalanges were obtained. An equation was developed for the kV; mAs exposure factors parameters using body weight.