RE: question about xrays

[Rose Tierney]

Hi Stephanie,
The main problems that occur with stifles (knees) are slipping patellas
which is not a common problem in Berners or ACL damage which is most often
caused by accidents though a very straight angled joint might be more
pre-disposed.

Hips and elbows are our main concerns though I have always xrayed shoulders
as well and only wish more breeders did so. Shoulder OCD lesions are common
in Berners and while they can occur with injury the pre-disposition to them
has to be considered. They can result in the dog's inability to reach
forward fully with his front leg and if both shoulders are affected the
obvious limp may not be apparent to the uneducated eye but the stride will
be short.

Rose

question about xrays

[Dave or Stephanie]

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Re: question about xrays

[T Thompson]

Hi Stephanie and all,

	This is an interesting topic.  Years ago, we took one of our dogs to a 
veterinary college to be examined by a vet-neurologist because he was 
limping and our local vet suspected a nerve problem.  The neurologist asked 
to x-ray the dog's knees and when we were surprised, she explained that a 
high percentage of referrals for neurological problems were actually dogs 
that had knee trouble!

	As to x-raying for hereditary knee problems, I don't think it's 
done.  It's my understanding that slipping (luxating) patellas (knee caps) 
and a propensity for torn cruciate ligaments are hereditary knee disorders 
in Bernese.  However, I don't know that an x-ray would help to diagnose the 
propensity for torn ligaments.  Further, according to OFA, a dog can be 
certified as free of luxating patellas through a simple exam from a local 
veterinarian who then fills out a form. There is an OFA registry for 
it.  However, I think luxating patellas only affects 2 -4 percent of the 
breed.

	Many limping Berners probably do suffer from arthritis in their 
knees.  And that can be confirmed by x-ray.  But I don't think that it is 
considered a hereditary condition.

	A reminder:  limping can be caused by tick diseases - particularly 
ehrlichiosis and lyme disease.  The tick transfers a 'bug' that likes to 
live in the joint area.  This causes inflammation and pain so the dog 
limps.  It does not always cause swelling and the 'bugs' sometimes migrate 
from one joint to another, so it can easily be confused with orthopedic 
disorders.  But in the case of a tick disease, the dog needs an 
antibiotic.  It's best to always do a blood test for tick diseases if your 
dog is limping.

	terry thompson
	missoula, montana