Krystalli A.A. DVM, PhD student, Surgery & Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Scholar of the State Scholarships Foundation
Panopoulou K.Ch. DVM, Postgraduate student, Orthopaedic Department, Surgery & Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Patsikas M.N. DVM, MD, PhD, DipECVDI, Professor, Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Prassinos N.N. DVM, PhD, Professor, Surgery & Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
The aim of the study was to present a case with a bipartite patella in a dog. Bipartite patella is rarely encountered and is due to congenital malformation or acquired intra-articular disorder following repetitive injuries of the extensor mechanism of the stifle.
Clinical case
A 5-year-old intact female Boxer, presented with intermittent lameness in the left hind limb of progressive onset and duration of 2 years. During passive movements of the stifles crepitus and pain were found, and mild positive drawer sign in the left stifle was observed. Plain radiographs showed severe osteoarthritis in both stifles and bipartite patella in the right stifle. Conservative treatment of osteoarthritis was recommended. A year after, the dog presented for right hind limb lameness. Clinically, swelling of the stifles and inability to palpate the patellae were found. Radiography and computed tomography revealed that osteoarthritis was even more intense bilaterally and the bipartite right patella remained unchanged.
Results
After 8 years, re-examination of the stifles showed intense swelling, severe crepitus, and pain (R>L) during passive movements. The dog had a satisfactory gait (lameness 2/5 - six-degree scale 0-5).
Conclusions
Bipartite patella is rarely observed in dogs and does not seem to affect the quality of their life.
References
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- Denny HR, Butterworth SJ (2000) The stifle. In: A Guide to Canine and Feline Orthopaedic Surgery. 4th ed. Blackwell Science, Oxford, pp. 512-553.
