RADIOLOGICAL ASPECTS ON THE COURSE OF DEVELOPMENT OF PORCINE EPIPHYSEAL OSTEOCHONDROSIS (OCD) FROM 42 UP TO 147 DAYS OF AGE

The articular-epiphyseal (A-E) cartilage complex of the distal humeral and femoral epiphyseal condyles of eight intact pigs (4 male & 4 fema le) of the same age were radiologically examined every 3 weeks, beginn ing at 42 days up to 147 days of age; to determine the age of onset, t he course and trend of development of osteochondrosis (OCD). The earli est Dyschondroplasia (Osteochondrotic) lesions were demonstrated radio logically in the A-E complexes of the humeral condyles of 42-day-old p igs and in the femoral condyles at 63 days of age. Thus the radiograph ic examination of live animals to demonstrate subcondral radiolucency typical for OCD lesions in the condylar A-E complexes of pigs is not o f limited value until the animals were > 100 days old as indicated in earlier reports. Also the course of further development of OCD lesions associated with A-E complexes was followed. The radiolucency was seen to develop to a certain extent, and then either to regress, and stabi lize or even to progress as the animal grows. Some lesions regressed c ompletely. Also some of the regressed lesions may become active again and become progressive. However, the course of development of femoral condyle A-E complexes OCD lesions was seen to be progressive continuou sly, or progressive then stable and then progressive again. The regres sive course and trend of osteochondrotic lesions was not observed in t he femoral condyle A-E complexes up to day 147 of age. Therefore, the course and trend of development of the A-E complexes OCD is not consta ntly the same.