Ultrasonography diagnosis of joint diseases in dogs – review

Abstract

Ultrasonography is not frequently used in the evaluation of the musculoskeletal system of dogs. During the last three decades this imaging technique has been shown to be valuable in the diagnosis and monitoring the musculoskeletal disorders of human patients. Ultrasonography allows recognitions of different anatomical joint structures and enables detection of lesions in tendons, ligaments, joint capsule, cartilage, meniscus and bone surfaces. The diagnostic value of the technique is highly operator-dependent, and can be influenced by the difficult to access to some anatomical structures. In spite of its limitations, the availability and low cost of the ultrasonography can make it an important tool in the assessment of musculoskeletal disorders in dogs.