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Massimo Petazzoni 1, Francesca Briotti 2, Carlo M Mortellaro 2, Randy J Boudrieau 3
Background:
Tarsal malformation, involving anomalies in the tarsal and metatarsal bones, has been documented in several dog breeds including the Bernese Mountain Dog. The condition is typically identified in adulthood, but its congenital nature and potential early detection are of interest. This study aimed to determine if tarsal malformation could be radiographically identified at 8–9 weeks of age in Bernese Mountain Dog puppies and to assess its prevalence.
Methods:
A prospective study was conducted on 51 Bernese Mountain Dog puppies from 12 unrelated litters in northern Italy. Dorsoplantar radiographs of the tarsus were taken at approximately 60 ± 5 days of age. Tarsal malformation was defined as the presence of medial ectopic ossification sites adjacent to the central tarsal bone, talus, and second metatarsal bones. No sedation or anesthesia was used, and all puppies underwent orthopedic examinations for clinical assessment.
Results:
All puppies were clinically normal with no observed lameness. Radiographic evaluation revealed that 39 out of 51 puppies (approximately 76%) had ossification sites medial to the central tarsal bone. These were defined as proximomedial, distomedial, and metatarsal ossification sites. All dogs with proximal or distal ossifications also had medial metatarsal ossification. No extensions of the central tarsal bone were seen. The majority of affected dogs were bilaterally and symmetrically affected.
Limitations:
The study did not include follow-up, so the clinical significance and progression of tarsal malformation remain unclear. No adult breeding dogs were examined, and the genetic basis of the condition was not explored. Radiographic assessment was limited to a single projection, and advanced imaging was not employed due to ethical constraints.
Conclusions:
Tarsal malformation can be detected radiographically in Bernese Mountain Dog puppies as early as 8 to 9 weeks of age. The condition appears common in this breed, but its clinical significance remains uncertain. Further studies are needed to determine whether early changes predict future orthopedic problems such as metatarsal rotation.
(Left) Dorsoplantar radiographic view and (Right) corresponding line drawing of the tarsal joint. Central tarsal bone (Tc), proximomedial ossification and distomedial ossification sites are outlined in red (P and D respectively); metatarsal ossification site is outlined in green (M; refer to [Table 1]). Source: Modified and reprinted with permission from Petazzoni M. Metatarsal rotation in the dog – Early diagnosis. Proceedings of the 2009 American College of Veterinary Surgeons Veterinary Symposium; October 8–10, 2009; Washington DC; pp 327–329.|
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