Radiographic Features (X-Ray Findings) of Arthritis in Dogs

Canine osteoarthritis is characterized radiographically by the four following signs:
• subchondral bone sclerosis
• subchondral cyst formation
• narrowing of the joint space, caused by irregular loss of articular cartilage
• periarticular formation of osteophytes


The loss of articular cartilage is greater in areas of increased load, sclerosis (hardening) of subchondral bone, osteophytosis and enthesiophytosis, and variable synovial inflammation.

Radiographic bone alterations require 30-50% change in bone density to be observed. This means that radiography is not as sensitive at picking up early degenerative changes to the joint as other diagnostic techniques, such as biochemistry and histology, might be.


- Dr Caroline