Partial lung lobectomy with the Caiman® Seal & Cut device in a dog with spontaneous pneumothorax: Case report

Background: Spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs is characterized by an accumulation of air in the interpleural space without an underlying trauma and consecutive acute onset of respiratory distress. Underlying causes for spontaneous pneumothorax vary with ruptured bullae being one of the main causes. Treatment after initial stabilization often requires partial or complete surgical resection of effected lung lobes. Partial lung lobectomy can be performed with stapling devices or sealing devices e.g. by different surgical approaches including video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. However, intra-thoracic surgery in small sized dogs using either of the techniques is challenging. Case Description: A 12 year old Shih Tzu was presented with spontaneous pneumothorax. Further diagnostics with computed tomography and intercostal thoracoscopy revealed a bulla in the right middle lung lobe. Partial lung lobectomy (2,5cm x 2,5 cm x 2cm) of the respective lung lobe was performed by an intercostal approach using the Caiman® 5 Seal & Cut sealing device. The Caiman® 5 Seal & Cut device allowed quick and safe partial lung lobectomy in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax without intra- or post-operative complications. The dog was discharged 2 days after surgery in good clinical condition. This report demonstrates the in-vivo efficacy and safety of the Caiman® 5 Seal & Cut sealing device for partial lung lobectomy in a small breed dog. Conclusion: Using the Caiman® 5 Seal & Cut device lung tissue could be resected without intra- or post-operative complications in a small breed dog. The present case may emphasize the use of the device in fully video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery also in small sized patients

Biomechanics of the Canine Elbow Joint

The canine elbow joint is a complex joint, whose musculoskeletal anatomy is well investigated. During the last 30 years kinematic analysis has gained importance in veterinary research and kinematics of the healthy and medial coronoid disease affected canine elbow joint are progressively investigated. Video-kinematographic analysis represents the most commonly used technique and multiple studies have investigated the range of motion, angular velocity, duration of swing and stance phase, stride length and other kinematic parameters, mostly in the sagittal plane only. However, this technique is more error-prone and data gained by video-kinematography represent the kinematics of the whole limb including the soft tissue envelope. A more precise evaluation of the in vivo bone and joint movement can only been achieved using fluoroscopic kinematography. Based on recent studies significant differences in the motion pattern between healthy joints and elbows with medial coronoid disease could be detected. Thereby not only adaptive changes, caused by pain and lameness, could be described, but primary changes in the micromotion of the joint forming bones could be found, which potentially represent new factors in the pathogenesis of medial coronoid disease. This chapter gives a review of current literature on elbow joint kinematics, with particular focus onto pathologic biomechanics in dysplastic canine elbows

Fluoroskopische Untersuchung zur dreidimensionalen Ellbogengelenkkinematik bei gesunden sowie dysplastischen Hunden in vivo

Einleitung: Die Ellbogengelenkdysplasie (ED) stellt eine der häufigsten Lahmheitsursachen bei jungen Hunden mittelgroßer und großer Rassen dar. Dabei wird der radioulnaren Inkongruenz eine maßgebliche Rolle in der Pathogenese zugesprochen. GUILLOU und Mitarbeiter (2011) konnten zeigen, dass eine axiale radioulnare Translation von bis zu 1 mm in gesunden kaninen Ellbogengelenken in vivo auftritt. Auf dieser Basis entstand die Hypothese einer vermehrten radioulnaren Beweglichkeit in dysplastischen Gelenken, die zu einer dynamischen Inkongruenz führen könnte, da ca. 40 % der Patienten keine messbare Stufe aufweisen. Ziele der Untersuchungen: Ziel der Studie war der Vergleich der dynamischen radioulnaren Inkongruenz bei orthopädisch gesunden und dysplastischen Hunden in vivo. Material und Methoden: Sieben dysplastische Ellbogengelenke von sechs Hunden und sechs orthopädisch gesunde Ellbogengelenke von fünf Hunden sind in die Studie eingegangen. Alle Probanden der ED Gruppe zeigten einen fragmentierten Processus coronoideus medialis ulnae. Nach Implantation von jeweils mindestens drei Markern in Humerus, Radius und Ulna erfolgte die biplanare, fluoroskopische Untersuchung der Gelenke, während die Hunde im Schritt auf einem Laufband geführt wurden. Die gewonnenen Röntgenvideoaufnahmen wurden aufgearbeitet und die gemessene Bewegung der Marker auf rekonstruierte dreidimensionale Knochenmodelle jedes Probanden übertragen. Alle Animationen wurden visuell beurteilt und anschließend die relative radioulnare und humeroulnare Bewegung an den animierten Knochenmodellen gemessen und als Translation in Millimeter und Rotation in Grad angegeben. Weiterhin wurden die Kontaktflächenmuster für die ulnare Gelenkfläche in dysplastischen und gesunden Gelenken bestimmt und gegeneinander visuell verglichen. Ergebnisse: Für die relative radioulnare Translation konnten in der Kontrollgruppe 0,7 mm und in der ED Gruppe 0,5 mm gemessen werden. Beide Werte unterschieden sich nicht signifikant voneinander (P= 0,2092; Konfidenzintervall -0,6 – 0,2). Die relative humeroulnare Rotation lag in der Kontrollgruppe bei 2,9 Grad und in der ED Gruppe bei 5,3 Grad. Damit lag ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen beiden Gruppen vor (P= 0,0229; Konfidenzintervall 0,4 – 4,4). Die Kontaktflächenmuster zeigten in der Kontrollgruppe, während der dargestellten Fußungsphase, eine homogene Verteilung des Kontaktes über das gesamte mediale Koronoid. Hingegen konnte in dysplastischen Gelenken eine Reduktion des Kontaktes im kraniolateralen Anteil des Koronoids beobachtet werden. Schlussfolgerung: Die radioulnare Bewegung zeigt zwischen gesunden und dysplastischen Gelenken keinen signifikanten Unterschied auf. Die Hypothese einer ausgeprägten Translation zwischen Radius und Ulna in Gelenken erkrankter Hunde, die während der Bewegung zu einer dynamischen RUI führt kann damit widerlegt werden. Allerdings zeigt der Humerus in dysplastischen Gelenken eine vermehrte Rotationsbewegung, die zu einer Verlagerung der Trochlea humeri gegen den medialen Kronfortsatz führt. Dieser visuell und quantitativ erfasste Effekt spiegelt sich auch in den Kontaktflächenmustern wieder. Da Pathologien im Sinne des FPC typischerweise im Bereich des dargestellten, konzentrierten Kontaktes auftreten, ist davon auszugehen, dass es durch die humerale Rotation zu einer vermehrten Belastung des Koronoids kommt, welche zur Fragmentation des Kronfortsatzes führen kann. Die Ursache dieser vermehrten Bewegung ist derzeit nicht bekannt. Möglicherweise spielen Weichteilpathologien eine Rolle, ähnlich der Pathogenese der Hüftgelenksdysplasie. Neben der bereits bekannten und beschriebenen statischen RUI scheint die Rotationsinstabilität des Humerus eine entscheidende Rolle in der Pathogenese der ED zu spielen, insbesondere in kongruent erscheinenden Gelenken.Introduction: Elbow dysplasia (ED) is one of the most frequent reasons for forelimb lameness especially in young large breed dogs. Radio-ulnar incongruence is discussed to be one of the main factors in the pathogenesis of ED. GUILLOU et al. (2011) described an axial translation between the radius and the ulna up to 1 mm in sound canine elbow joints in vivo. Based on this study we developed the hypothesis that pronounced radio-ulnar movement in dysplastic joints leads to a dynamic radio-ulnar incongruence. This dynamic incongruence might explain why 40 % of dysplastic dogs show no measurable step formation. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the dynamic radio-ulnar incongruence in sound and dysplastic dogs in vivo. Material and Methods: Seven dysplastic joints in six dogs and six sound joints in five dogs were evaluated. All dysplastic joints showed a fragmented coronoid process and a radio-ulnar incongruence and cartilage lesions on the ulnar and humeral joint surface in a varying degree. A minimum of three Tantalum markers were implanted into the Humerus, Radius and Ulna each. Afterwards biplanar fluoroscopic gait analysis was performed while the dogs were walking on a treadmill. Gained marker movement was transferred onto reconstructed three dimensional CT bone models of each dog. The 3D animations were visually assessed and relative movement between the radius and ulna as well as between the humerus and ulna was measured and expressed as translation (millimeter) and rotation (degree). Further the joint contact patterns of the ulnar joint surface were determined for all dysplastic and sound joints and visually compared to each other. Results: Relative radio-ulnar translation was 0.7 mm in sound joints and 0.5 mm in dysplastic joints. There was no significant difference between these two groups (P= 0.2092; convidence interval -0.6 to 0.2). A significant difference between the dysplastic and the sound group was present in the relative humeral rotation (P= 0.0229; convidence interval 0.4 to 4.4). Humeral rotation relative to the ulna was 2.9 degree in sound and 5.3 degree in dysplastic joints. Humero-ulnar contact at the medial coronoid process was evenly distributed over the medial coronoid process in control elbows, while contact area in dysplastic elbows was reduced and shifted to the lateral aspect of the medial coronoid process Conclusion: Radio-ulnar movement is not significantly different between dysplastic and sound elbow joints. So the hypothesis of a pronounced axial translation between the radius and the ulna in dysplastic joints, leading to dynamic RUI can be neglected. However the humerus shows a significantly pronounced rotational movement in dysplastic joints compared to sound elbows. The trochlea humeri moves towards cranio-lateral and hits the medial coronoid process at its cranio-lateral aspect. The effect of this rotational movement can be shown in the joint contact patterns of the ulnar joint surface. Contact is shifted towards the tip and the lateral aspect of the coronoid process. In that area fragmentation of the medial coronoid process is typically observed. It seems that rotation of the humerus relative to the ulna leads to reduced contact and mechanical overload of the coronoid process. The cause of this increased rotational movement remains unknown. Maybe the documented movement could be interpreted as joint instability similar to the pathogenesis of hip dysplasia in which soft tissue laxity results in joint instability and degenerative joint disease. Besides the already described static radio-ulnar incongruence humeral rotational instability seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of elbow dysplasia, especially in congruent joints

Retrospective multicentre evaluation of common calcaneal tendon injuries in 66 cats. Part 1: study population, injury specification and classification

Objectives The objective of the first part of this retrospective multicentre study was to identify and classify common calcaneal tendon (CCT) injuries in a study population of 66 cats. Methods The medical records of five different small animal referral centres and veterinary teaching hospitals between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. In addition to patient-specific data, CCT injuries were characterised in detail. Diagnostic modalities and further comorbidities were recorded. Results Sixty-six cats met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the cats was 7.5 years (range 0.5–16.3) and their mean body weight (BW) was 4.6 kg (range 1.5–9.0). Thirty-four spayed females (51.5%), five intact females (7.6%) and 27 castrated males (40.9%) were included. Most cases involved closed injuries of the CCT (69.7%). Twenty-one of 46 cats had closed atraumatic injuries (45.7%). Open injuries (30.3%) were most commonly lacerations (65%). Twenty-one injuries were classified as atraumatic (31.8%), whereas 25 were traumatic (37.9%). With every year of age, the odds of having an atraumatic injury increased by a factor of 1.021. Cats with atraumatic injuries had a higher mean BW than cats with traumatic injuries, but the difference was not statistically significant. Acute injuries were recorded in 40.9% of cases, whereas 51.5% of cats had a subacute CCT injury and 7.6% had chronic lesions. Most acute lesions were Meutstege type I injuries (55.6%). Subacute and chronic lesions were more commonly Meutstege type IIc injuries (58.8% and 60%, respectively). Considering all CCT injuries, a Meutstege type IIc injury was most common (53%). Conclusions and relevance The most common type of injury was Meutstege type IIc. Cats with atraumatic injuries had a higher mean BW than cats with traumatic injuries, but the difference was not statistically significant. Older cats more commonly presented with atraumatic CCT injuries

Retrospective multicentre evaluation of common calcaneal tendon injuries in 66 cats. Part 2: treatment, complications and outcomes

Objectives The aims of the second part of this retrospective multicentre study were to describe the surgical techniques used in the treatment of common calcaneal tendon (CCT) injuries, and evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes and complications. Methods The medical records of five different small animal referral centres and veterinary teaching hospitals between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. Surgical vs conservative treatment was evaluated. Treatment type, type of postoperative immobilisation, and short- and long-term outcomes and complications were recorded. Minor complications were defined as not requiring surgical intervention. Long-term outcome was evaluated by an owner questionnaire. Results Sixty-six cats met the inclusion criteria. Mean time to surgery was 9.6 days (range 0–185). Most cats (83.3%) were treated surgically. Regardless of treatment modality, all limbs were immobilised for a mean time of 48.2 days (range 2–98). For 63 cats that had the temporary tarsal joint immobilisation technique recorded, a transarticular external skeletal fixator (ESF; 57.1%) or a calcaneotibial screw (33.3%) were used most commonly. The method of immobilisation had a notable, although non-significant, influence on the occurrence of short-term complications, with most complications being reported for the transarticular ESF group. The total short-term complication rate was 41.3%, the minor complication rate was 33.3% and the major complication rate was 7.9%, with pin tract infections being the most commonly occurring minor complication. Three cats (6%) had a total of four major complications over the long term. Most cats (86%) were free of lameness at the long-term evaluation, with an overall successful clinical long-term outcome of 84.9%, according to the owner questionnaire. Cats with traumatic injuries and injuries treated surgically had higher questionnaire scores than those with atraumatic injuries and those treated conservatively. Conclusions and relevance Outcome was generally good in cats with CCT injury, irrespective of the type of treatment. Complications included a high proportion of minor complications associated with the technique of tarsal joint immobilisation. ESF frames were more commonly involved in complications than other techniques. Surgically treated cats had a slightly better long-term outcomes

Complications and short to midterm results in a case series of 52 CUE procedures using a modified caudo-medial approach

Background: Medial coronoid process disease is the most common manifestation of canine developmental elbow disease which can progress to a more severe medial compartment disease (MCompD) characterized by full thickness cartilage loss of the medial coronoid process (MCP) and medial humeral condyle. Among others, the “Canine Unicompartmental Elbow” (CUE) has been reported to be an effective treatment strategy for MCompD, with full in 47.6% and acceptable function in 43.7% at six months or later of follow-up. Aim: To report on our clinical experiences with the CUE system using the caudo-medial approach in terms of both complications and functional outcome. Methods: Medical records of dogs that underwent CUE procedure using a caudo-medial approach over a 3-year period were retrospectively reviewed. This covered epidemiological data, bi-planar radiographs, subjective gait analysis, owner questionnaire, surgical reports as well as second-look arthroscopic findings when available. Results: In total, 52 CUE procedures were performed in 44 dogs with a median age at surgery of 8.0 years (IQ: 5.0-10.0) and a median body weight of 31.9 kg (ranging 20-48 kg). Four cases never return for follow-up, but where included in the analysis to increase the number of cases with pre- and intra-operative data. Mean follow-up time available for the remaining 48 cases was 7.1 (SD: 5.2) months. Radiographic derived implant positioning and alignment proved to be satisfactory in the sagittal plane but parallelism in the frontal plane was only present in three cases. Second-look arthroscopy in 5 cases with delayed or disappointing functional improvement showed evidence of implant related contact lesions and progressive erosion of the medial coronoid area in three elbows. Overall, complications occurred in 11 cases (21%), being major in eight (15%) and minor in three (6%). Major complications included refractory pain and lameness six to twelve months postoperatively in five cases. At last follow-up, twelve cases (25%) were considered to have full function, 35 cases (73%) acceptable function and in one case the function was considered unacceptable. As the only variable related to functional outcome, age had a negative predictive value for full function. Conclusion: The CUE procedure appears to be an effective treatment option for patients with MCompD. Older dogs might be at risk of having an inferior clinical outcome, when compared to young patients. The reason for this is unknown and will have to be evaluated in future studies. Compared to a CUE case series of 103 elbows operated through a medial approach (Cook et al., 2015), using a caudo-medial approach decreased the incidence of approach related complication. Nevertheless, functional outcome in the current case series was less favourable than previously reported. These conflicting findings as well as the occurrence of potentially implant mechanical conflict at the medial joint compartment despite CUE warrants further studies

The serotonergic central nervous system of the Drosophila larva: anatomy and behavioral function.

The Drosophila larva has turned into a particularly simple model system for studying the neuronal basis of innate behaviors and higher brain functions. Neuronal networks involved in olfaction, gustation, vision and learning and memory have been described during the last decade, often up to the single-cell level. Thus, most of these sensory networks are substantially defined, from the sensory level up to third-order neurons. This is especially true for the olfactory system of the larva. Given the wealth of genetic tools in Drosophila it is now possible to address the question how modulatory systems interfere with sensory systems and affect learning and memory. Here we focus on the serotonergic system that was shown to be involved in mammalian and insect sensory perception as well as learning and memory. Larval studies suggested that the serotonergic system is involved in the modulation of olfaction, feeding, vision and heart rate regulation. In a dual anatomical and behavioral approach we describe the basic anatomy of the larval serotonergic system, down to the single-cell level. In parallel, by expressing apoptosis-inducing genes during embryonic and larval development, we ablate most of the serotonergic neurons within the larval central nervous system. When testing these animals for naïve odor, sugar, salt and light perception, no profound phenotype was detectable; even appetitive and aversive learning was normal. Our results provide the first comprehensive description of the neuronal network of the larval serotonergic system. Moreover, they suggest that serotonin per se is not necessary for any of the behaviors tested. However, our data do not exclude that this system may modulate or fine-tune a wide set of behaviors, similar to its reported function in other insect species or in mammals. Based on our observations and the availability of a wide variety of genetic tools, this issue can now be addressed

Extracellular MRP8/14 is a regulator of β2 integrin-dependent neutrophil slow rolling and adhesion

Myeloid-related proteins (MRPs) 8 and 14 are cytosolic proteins secreted from myeloid cells as proinflammatory mediators. Currently, the functional role of circulating extracellular MRP8/14 is unclear. Our present study identifies extracellular MRP8/14 as an autocrine player in the leukocyte adhesion cascade. We show that E-selectin-PSGL-1 interaction during neutrophil rolling triggers Mrp8/14 secretion. Released MRP8/14 in turn activates a TLR4-mediated, Rap1-GTPase-dependent pathway of rapid beta 2 integrin activation in neutrophils. This extracellular activation loop reduces leukocyte rolling velocity and stimulates adhesion. Thus, we identify Mrp8/14 and TLR4 as important modulators of the leukocyte recruitment cascade during inflammation in vivo

Extracellular MRP8/14 is a regulator of β2 integrin-dependent neutrophil slow rolling and adhesion

Myeloid-related proteins (MRPs) 8 and 14 are cytosolic proteins secreted from myeloid cells as proinflammatory mediators. Currently, the functional role of circulating extracellular MRP8/14 is unclear. Our present study identifies extracellular MRP8/14 as an autocrine player in the leukocyte adhesion cascade. We show that E-selectin-PSGL-1 interaction during neutrophil rolling triggers Mrp8/14 secretion. Released MRP8/14 in turn activates a TLR4-mediated, Rap1-GTPase-dependent pathway of rapid beta 2 integrin activation in neutrophils. This extracellular activation loop reduces leukocyte rolling velocity and stimulates adhesion. Thus, we identify Mrp8/14 and TLR4 as important modulators of the leukocyte recruitment cascade during inflammation in vivo

Fluoroskopische Untersuchung zur dreidimensionalen Ellbogengelenkkinematik bei gesunden sowie dysplastischen Hunden in vivo

Einleitung: Die Ellbogengelenkdysplasie (ED) stellt eine der häufigsten Lahmheitsursachen bei jungen Hunden mittelgroßer und großer Rassen dar. Dabei wird der radioulnaren Inkongruenz eine maßgebliche Rolle in der Pathogenese zugesprochen. GUILLOU und Mitarbeiter (2011) konnten zeigen, dass eine axiale radioulnare Translation von bis zu 1 mm in gesunden kaninen Ellbogengelenken in vivo auftritt. Auf dieser Basis entstand die Hypothese einer vermehrten radioulnaren Beweglichkeit in dysplastischen Gelenken, die zu einer dynamischen Inkongruenz führen könnte, da ca. 40 % der Patienten keine messbare Stufe aufweisen. Ziele der Untersuchungen: Ziel der Studie war der Vergleich der dynamischen radioulnaren Inkongruenz bei orthopädisch gesunden und dysplastischen Hunden in vivo. Material und Methoden: Sieben dysplastische Ellbogengelenke von sechs Hunden und sechs orthopädisch gesunde Ellbogengelenke von fünf Hunden sind in die Studie eingegangen. Alle Probanden der ED Gruppe zeigten einen fragmentierten Processus coronoideus medialis ulnae. Nach Implantation von jeweils mindestens drei Markern in Humerus, Radius und Ulna erfolgte die biplanare, fluoroskopische Untersuchung der Gelenke, während die Hunde im Schritt auf einem Laufband geführt wurden. Die gewonnenen Röntgenvideoaufnahmen wurden aufgearbeitet und die gemessene Bewegung der Marker auf rekonstruierte dreidimensionale Knochenmodelle jedes Probanden übertragen. Alle Animationen wurden visuell beurteilt und anschließend die relative radioulnare und humeroulnare Bewegung an den animierten Knochenmodellen gemessen und als Translation in Millimeter und Rotation in Grad angegeben. Weiterhin wurden die Kontaktflächenmuster für die ulnare Gelenkfläche in dysplastischen und gesunden Gelenken bestimmt und gegeneinander visuell verglichen. Ergebnisse: Für die relative radioulnare Translation konnten in der Kontrollgruppe 0,7 mm und in der ED Gruppe 0,5 mm gemessen werden. Beide Werte unterschieden sich nicht signifikant voneinander (P= 0,2092; Konfidenzintervall -0,6 – 0,2). Die relative humeroulnare Rotation lag in der Kontrollgruppe bei 2,9 Grad und in der ED Gruppe bei 5,3 Grad. Damit lag ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen beiden Gruppen vor (P= 0,0229; Konfidenzintervall 0,4 – 4,4). Die Kontaktflächenmuster zeigten in der Kontrollgruppe, während der dargestellten Fußungsphase, eine homogene Verteilung des Kontaktes über das gesamte mediale Koronoid. Hingegen konnte in dysplastischen Gelenken eine Reduktion des Kontaktes im kraniolateralen Anteil des Koronoids beobachtet werden. Schlussfolgerung: Die radioulnare Bewegung zeigt zwischen gesunden und dysplastischen Gelenken keinen signifikanten Unterschied auf. Die Hypothese einer ausgeprägten Translation zwischen Radius und Ulna in Gelenken erkrankter Hunde, die während der Bewegung zu einer dynamischen RUI führt kann damit widerlegt werden. Allerdings zeigt der Humerus in dysplastischen Gelenken eine vermehrte Rotationsbewegung, die zu einer Verlagerung der Trochlea humeri gegen den medialen Kronfortsatz führt. Dieser visuell und quantitativ erfasste Effekt spiegelt sich auch in den Kontaktflächenmustern wieder. Da Pathologien im Sinne des FPC typischerweise im Bereich des dargestellten, konzentrierten Kontaktes auftreten, ist davon auszugehen, dass es durch die humerale Rotation zu einer vermehrten Belastung des Koronoids kommt, welche zur Fragmentation des Kronfortsatzes führen kann. Die Ursache dieser vermehrten Bewegung ist derzeit nicht bekannt. Möglicherweise spielen Weichteilpathologien eine Rolle, ähnlich der Pathogenese der Hüftgelenksdysplasie. Neben der bereits bekannten und beschriebenen statischen RUI scheint die Rotationsinstabilität des Humerus eine entscheidende Rolle in der Pathogenese der ED zu spielen, insbesondere in kongruent erscheinenden Gelenken.Introduction: Elbow dysplasia (ED) is one of the most frequent reasons for forelimb lameness especially in young large breed dogs. Radio-ulnar incongruence is discussed to be one of the main factors in the pathogenesis of ED. GUILLOU et al. (2011) described an axial translation between the radius and the ulna up to 1 mm in sound canine elbow joints in vivo. Based on this study we developed the hypothesis that pronounced radio-ulnar movement in dysplastic joints leads to a dynamic radio-ulnar incongruence. This dynamic incongruence might explain why 40 % of dysplastic dogs show no measurable step formation. Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the dynamic radio-ulnar incongruence in sound and dysplastic dogs in vivo. Material and Methods: Seven dysplastic joints in six dogs and six sound joints in five dogs were evaluated. All dysplastic joints showed a fragmented coronoid process and a radio-ulnar incongruence and cartilage lesions on the ulnar and humeral joint surface in a varying degree. A minimum of three Tantalum markers were implanted into the Humerus, Radius and Ulna each. Afterwards biplanar fluoroscopic gait analysis was performed while the dogs were walking on a treadmill. Gained marker movement was transferred onto reconstructed three dimensional CT bone models of each dog. The 3D animations were visually assessed and relative movement between the radius and ulna as well as between the humerus and ulna was measured and expressed as translation (millimeter) and rotation (degree). Further the joint contact patterns of the ulnar joint surface were determined for all dysplastic and sound joints and visually compared to each other. Results: Relative radio-ulnar translation was 0.7 mm in sound joints and 0.5 mm in dysplastic joints. There was no significant difference between these two groups (P= 0.2092; convidence interval -0.6 to 0.2). A significant difference between the dysplastic and the sound group was present in the relative humeral rotation (P= 0.0229; convidence interval 0.4 to 4.4). Humeral rotation relative to the ulna was 2.9 degree in sound and 5.3 degree in dysplastic joints. Humero-ulnar contact at the medial coronoid process was evenly distributed over the medial coronoid process in control elbows, while contact area in dysplastic elbows was reduced and shifted to the lateral aspect of the medial coronoid process Conclusion: Radio-ulnar movement is not significantly different between dysplastic and sound elbow joints. So the hypothesis of a pronounced axial translation between the radius and the ulna in dysplastic joints, leading to dynamic RUI can be neglected. However the humerus shows a significantly pronounced rotational movement in dysplastic joints compared to sound elbows. The trochlea humeri moves towards cranio-lateral and hits the medial coronoid process at its cranio-lateral aspect. The effect of this rotational movement can be shown in the joint contact patterns of the ulnar joint surface. Contact is shifted towards the tip and the lateral aspect of the coronoid process. In that area fragmentation of the medial coronoid process is typically observed. It seems that rotation of the humerus relative to the ulna leads to reduced contact and mechanical overload of the coronoid process. The cause of this increased rotational movement remains unknown. Maybe the documented movement could be interpreted as joint instability similar to the pathogenesis of hip dysplasia in which soft tissue laxity results in joint instability and degenerative joint disease. Besides the already described static radio-ulnar incongruence humeral rotational instability seems to play a role in the pathogenesis of elbow dysplasia, especially in congruent joints