Auxiliary synovial structures for the brachial biceps and brachial musclesat the elbow joint in dogs and cats compared to wolf, tiger and cougar - Part I: dog (Canis lupus f. familiaris) and wolf (Canis lupus)

Forelimbs of fifteen dogs were examined in order to describe auxiliary syno vial structures for the brachial biceps and brachial muscles at the level o f the elbow joint. In addition findings were compared to results obtained i n a wolf. Passing a channel of dense connective tissue formed by the ulnar as well as by the superficial and deep part of the radial tendon of inserti on of the brachial biceps muscle the tendon of the brachial muscle is incom pletly covered with a synovial bursa. Another synovial bursa is located bet ween the ulnar tendons of insertion of the brachial biceps and brachial mus cles and the oblique ligament which crosses these tendons. Furthermore a co nstant recess of the joint capsule pouches between the medial collateral li gament and the tendons of the brachial biceps and brachial muscles attachin g to the medial surface of the ulnar medial coronoid process. An inconstant synovial bursa is located between the joint capsule and the scutum on the articular surface of the brachial biceps muscle at the level of the medial sagittal ridge of the trochlea humeri.