AVULSION OF THE TIBIAL TUBEROSITY IN A LITTER OF GREYHOUND PUPPIES

Avulsion of the tibial tuberosity was diagnosed in six of seven greyho und littermates aged five and a half months. The puppies showed hindli mb lameness of varying severity. Radiological assessment of affected s tifle joints revealed partial or complete avulsion of the tibial tuber osities. In four puppies the lesions were bilateral. Euthanasia of the two most severely affected puppies was performed; the changes observe d on histopathological examination of their cranioproximal tibiae sugg ested that the underlying lesion was that of osteochondrosis. A heredi tary predisposition in greyhounds to osteochondrosis of the physis bet ween the apophysis and the cranioproximal tibial diaphysis is postulat ed.