Radiographic evaluation of the humeroradioulnar joint in Australian Cattle Dogs

ABSTRACT The Australian cattle dog (ACD) is very popular due to its working function, being used mainly for work in the management of cattle and sheep. However, there are few studies on the orthopedic conditions that affect these animals. Thus, this study aimed to radiographically evaluate and describe the elbow joints of ACDs. Radiographic images of 100 elbows were used. Joint incongruence, fragmentation of the coronoid process (FCP), non-union of the anconeal process (NUAP), presence of osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD), and osteoarthrotic signs were evaluated. As a result, 83% of the evaluated elbows present no radiographic alteration, while 16% showed alterations compatible with elbow dysplasia, the presence of joint incongruence, or osteoarthrotic signs. No primary alteration of FCP, NUAP, or OCD elbow dysplasia was observed. Thus, the radiographic images of ACD elbows showed few radiographic alterations and a low prevalence of elbow dysplasia.