Thoracic limb alignment in healthy labrador retrievers: evaluation of standing versus recumbent frontal plane radiography.

OBJECTIVE: To report thoracic limb alignment values in healthy dogs; to determine if limb alignment values are significantly different when obtained from standing versus recumbent radiographic projections. STUDY
DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: Labrador Retrievers (n = 45) >15 months of age.
METHODS: Standing and recumbent radiographs were obtained and limb montages were randomized before analysis by a single investigator blinded to dog, limb, and limb position. Twelve limb alignment values were determined using the CORA methodology. Measurements were performed in triplicate and intra-observer variability was evaluated by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Limb alignment values were reported as mean ± SD and 95% confidence intervals. Linear mixed models were used to determine if significant associations existed between limb alignment values and limb, limb position, gender, age, weight, and body condition score.
RESULTS: There were significant differences in standing and recumbent limb alignment values for all values except elbow mechanical axis deviation (eMAD). Limb, gender, age, body weight, and body condition score had no effect. ICC values ranged from 0.522 to 0.758, indicating moderate to substantial agreement for repeated measurements by a single investigator.
CONCLUSIONS: Limb alignment values are significantly different when determined from standing versus recumbent radiographs in healthy Labrador Retrievers. © Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.