Introduction

Densitometry may be used as a diagnostic tool in predicting potential orthopedic problems in dogs. The study describes the densitometric measurements data of femur (os femoris) in 15 dogs.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to determine statistically proven maximal density location in femur in dogs.

Methods

Series of densitometric measurements in three different points of femur: proximal (collum femoris), medial (corpus femoris) and distal (facies poplitea) in dogs with different age and breed were conducted to determine maximal density location. LUNAR DPX-IQ densitometer was used on femoral bone prepared from soft tissues, results were obtained in g/cm². We hypothesized that medial part of femur has the maximal density.

Results

Measurements showed that despite a dog’s age and weight, density of bone structure is much higher in the medial point of femur. Average density in proximal point is 0,363 g/cm², in medial point 0,537 g/cm² and in distal point 0,37 2 g/cm².

Conclusions

The hypothesis was proven. Corpus femoris was indicated as a point of maximal density in dogs.