Clinical epidemiological study of the retained ulnar cartilage cores in canines from Havana

Abstract

This study was aimed at calculating the frequency of the retained ulnar cartilage cores and determining risk factors and percentage of clinical and radiological signs present in canines treated in a veterinary assistance service in Havana, from January 2017 to March 2020. The sample was composed of canines from three to six months of age with a radiological diagnosis of retained ulnar cartilage cores (RCC). The influence of breed, sex and age on the diagnostic outcome was determined by Chi-square test. In addition, RCC frequency was calculated based on radiological signs and findings, and RCC percentage was determined according to feeding and calcium supplementation. Chi-square test showed association between disease and breed (p≤0.05). The most frequent signs were the presence of cartilage on X-rays (100 %), radial anteversion (97.06 %), pain (91.18 %), ulnar shortening (88.24 %), ulnar styloid process dislocation (82,35 %), claudication (67.65 %), mild (58.82 %) and moderate (23.53%) carpal valgus, supination (50 %), elbow incongruity (41.18 %), osteoarthritis (8.82 %), and hyperextension (11.76 %). RCC frequency of presentation was high reaching values of 32.38 %. The most frequent signs were the presence of cartilage on X-rays, anteversion, pain, ulnar shortening and proximal dislocation of the styloid process. Furthermore, 35.29 % of the animals were overfed and 70.59 % were supplemented with high-dose calcium.