Thesis
Ultrasonographic features of the supraspinatus tendon in large breed dogs without forelimb lameness
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
08/2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000004170
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/124829
Abstract
Supraspinatus tendinopathy is a commonly diagnosed cause of forelimb lameness in large breed dogs. Previously reported sonographic features of this condition include intratendinous mineralization, increased tendon size, poor linear fiber pattern and tendon hypoechogenicity, however, these features have been anecdotally identified by the authors in a large number of dogs without forelimb lameness. The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the prevalence of previously reported ultrasonographic indicators of supraspinatus tendinopathy in a population of large breed dogs without forelimb lameness or shoulder pain, (2) to establish the size of the supraspinatus tendon in this cohort of dogs and (3) to determine if there is a correlation between body weight and supraspinatus tendon size. Forty-nine large breed dogs, with no evidence of forelimb lameness or shoulder pain on orthopedic exam, underwent ultrasound of the supraspinatus and biceps tendons bilaterally. Measurements of the supraspinatus tendon were obtained in both sagittal (maximum supraspinatus tendon thickness; MSTT) and transverse (supraspinatus tendon area; STA) planes, at set anatomical locations. Numerous qualitative variables were also assessed, including supraspinatus tendon echogenicity, heterogeneity, fiber pattern, tendon mineralization, greater tubercle irregularity and concurrent biceps brachii tendon abnormalities. The supraspinatus tendon was hypoechoic to the biceps tendon in all cases, with 83.7% of dogs demonstrating heterogeneous supraspinatus tendon echogenicity. Linear fiber pattern was poor in almost all cases. Thirty-three percent (33%) of dogs demonstrated supraspinatus tendon mineralization and 55% had irregularity along the greater tubercle. Fifty-one percent (51%) of dogs demonstrated at least one abnormality related to the biceps tendon; 12% had medial displacement of the biceps tendon, 45% had biceps tendon sheath effusion, 8% had bony irregularity within the intertubercular groove and one dog had irregular biceps tendon fiber pattern unilaterally. The median MSTT measurement was 84mm (range: 59-121mm) and the median STA measurement was 48mm2 (range: 20-167mm2). There was a positive correlation between body weight and tendon size. Findings from this study revealed that a large proportion of large breed dogs, without clinical signs of forelimb lameness or shoulder pain, demonstrate sonographic features previously indicative of clinical supraspinatus tendinopathy.
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Details
- Title
- Ultrasonographic features of the supraspinatus tendon in large breed dogs without forelimb lameness
- Creators
- Claire Sigrid Aurora Doyle
- Contributors
- Peter J Gilbert (Advisor) - Washington State University, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Department ofASHLEY LAUREN HANNA (Advisor) - Washington State University, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Department of
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Veterinary Medicine, College of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900890769301842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis