Radiographic quantification of the normal and near-normal coxofemoral conformation in Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds: a comparative study

BACKGROUND: Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a multifactorial disease affecting large breed dogs with associated joint laxity and incongruity that predisposes them to osteoarthritis. The purpose of the study is to objectively compare the conformation of normal and near-normal coxofemoral joints (CFJ(S)) in Labrador Retrievers versus German Shepherds on the extended ventrodorsal radiograph. Investigated groups were categorized as normal and near-normal CFJ(S) according to the morphometric criteria established by the FCI scoring system. Center-edge (CE) angle, Norberg angle (NA), indices of dorsal AFH coverage width and area, acetabular slope (AS) angle, and inclination angle were determined for each group. CE angle and AS angle were modified from previously described human techniques. The width and area of dorsal AFH coverage were standardized by the corresponding femoral head diameter and area. Variables were compared between groups using an unpaired, two-tailed t-test. A Spearman correlation coefficient determined the relationship between selected variables. RESULTS: In Labradors, CE angle (lateral coverage) and dorsal AFH coverage area index (dorsal coverage) were greater in normal versus near-normal CFJ(S). In German Shepherds, lateral AFH coverage (CE angle and NA) was greater in normal versus near-normal hip joints; whereas, dorsal AFH coverage did not differ between the two groups. Lateral AFH coverage was greater in normal versus near-normal CFJ(S) of both breeds. In Labradors, the inclination angle was greater in near-normal versus normal CFJ(S). Normal CFJ(S) of Labradors revealed greater lateral and dorsal AFH coverages compared to German Shepherds. Near-normal joints of Labradors showed greater lateral AFH coverage compared to those of German Shepherds; whereas, dorsal AFH coverage did not differ between the two breeds. A steeper acetabular slope angle was noted in normal and near-normal CFJ(S) of German Shepherds compared to Labrador Retrievers. The inclination angle of near-normal joints was greater in Labrador Retrievers compared to German Shepherds. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, normal and near-normal CFJ(S) of German Shepherds had lesser AFH coverage and steeper acetabular slope angle compared to Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds with CE-angles < 27° and < 21.8°, dorsal AFH coverage width indices < 51 and < 49%, and/or dorsal AFH coverage area indices < 53 and < 50%, respectively, may be consistent with CHD. Thus, the authors would recommend excluding subjects with lower values from breeding. Validating the reported measurements is still warranted.