Canine hip dysplasia is a multifactorial disease characterized by hip laxity and osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis of hip laxity is an important topic in small animal orthopedics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between clinical orthopaedic examinations and the evaluation method of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Thirty purebred Rottweilers were examined at approximately four (20 2 weeks), eight (35 2 weeks) and twelve months (54 1 weeks) of age. Ortolani, Barlow and Bardens tests and reduction/subluxation angle measurements were always performed. FCI scoring was performed at the third examination. Positive correlations were noted between reduction angle and Ortolani test, reduction angle and FCI score, and Ortolani test and FCI score at the second and third examinations. No correlation was observed between the subluxation angle and the other methods. Despite previous studies that reported 16-20 weeks as the earliest age for diagnosis of hip laxity in dogs, in our study, early diagnosis was possible at 35 2 weeks of age. This difference may be due to the small sample size, the low number of dogs with severe degrees of laxity, and differences between breeds.
In conclusion, early diagnosis of hip laxity and prediction of FCI score from 35±2 weeks of age using RA and Ortolani test is possible in Rottweilers. In addition, the Ortolani maneuver in the dorsal supine position is preferable to the lateral supine position because of false-negative results in the lateral supine position; however, the Ortolani test was more accurate than the Barlow and Bardens tests in this study. To minimize examination errors, special attention should be paid to the quality of radiographs and positioning during radiological examination, as well as to proper orthopedic examination.
Vidoni B, Bauer V, Bockstahler B, Gumpenberger M, Tichy A, Aghapour M. Early Diagnosis of Canine Hip Laxity: Correlation between Clinical Orthopedic Examinations and the FCI Scoring Method in a Closed Cohort of Rottweilers. Animals (Basel). 2021 Feb 6;11(2):416. doi: 10.3390/ani11020416. PMID: 33562008; PMCID: PMC7915998.
