Introduction

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease, which causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and lameness due to changes in the synovial fluid. DJD affects the entire synovial joint including the cartilage, synovial fluid, and bone. Goniometry has been validated in dogs, but to the authors' knowledge, no previous investigations compared coxofemoral range of motion between dogs with and without DJD.

Objectives

To compare measurements obtained by use of a universal plastic goniometer (UG) and to compare coxofemoral joint motion in German Shepherd dogs with and without DJD.

Methods

Fifteen healthy adult German Shepherd dogs with DJD and data previously collected from 12 healthy adult German Shepherd dogs without DJD. Dogs were sedated. One investigator then measured motion of the hip joints. Measurements were made in duplicate with a UG. Ventrodorsal radiographs were taken of the hip joints. DJD were classified in 4 grades. Values were compared between the UG and with values previously determined for hip joints of 12 German Shepherd dogs.

Results

Values for UG measurements were summarized. In hip extension, measurements were significantly smaller in dogs with DJD than measurements in normal dogs. Flexion measurements were smaller in dogs with DJD, but not significantly different than flexion measurements in normal dogs. Values for range of motion were significantly lower in hips of German Shepherd dogs with DJD.

Conclusions

We conclude from the study reported here that German Shepherd dogs with coxofemoral DJD have significantly lower ROM than dogs without hip DJD.