Evaluation of subchondral bone cysts in canine elbows with radiographic osteoarthritis secondary to elbow dysplasia

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) were present in dogs with radiographic elbow osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate their relationship with radiographic OA severity. Study design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Sample population: Thirty-eight Labrador retrievers (total of 76 elbows). Methods: Elbow computed tomography (CT) images of 18 young (≤2 years old) and 20 old (>2 years old) Labrador retrievers, which presented for elbow-associated lameness, were reviewed. Radiographic elbow OA was graded into four groups based on the largest osteophyte size on CT. The presence, number, and maximum diameter of SBCs were determined. Results: Subchondral bone cysts were only identified in elbows with osteophytic new bone formation. The number and size of SBCs were associated with radiographic OA severity (p