ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE CANINE STIFLE JOIN T

This paper gives an overview of the sonographic possibilities to exami ne the canine stifle joint. Sonographic examination was performed in s tifle joints of 30 dogs without any pathologic changes in the hind leg . The sonographic examination is presented with corresponding sonograp hical findings. For this indication a linear - and sector transducer w ith 7.5 Mhz was proved to be useful. The patellar ligament could be sc anned very well by a linear transducer in a longitudinal section using a standoff pad. Both the lateral and medial meniscus could be inspect ed, as well as injuries of the menisci. As an indirect sign to a lesio n, effusions of the joint were proved quite sensitively. The cruciate ligaments could not be demonstrated correctly with ultrasound. The ult rasonography is used for the investigation of the soft tissue structur es as the completion of the radiology. The scanning diagnostic techniq ue is practicable with a low technical expenditure, is not stressful f or the patient and can be repeated for therapy controls. Disadvantageo us is that ultrasound is prone to artifacts, caused by the thinness of the structures examinated.