Radiographic Evaluation of Pelvic Limb Musculoskeletal Lesions in Animals Presented for Clinical Diagnosis

This study, conducted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, analyzed the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the pelvic limb using radiographic data from 1989 to 2019. A total of 646 radiographs were reviewed, revealing bone and joint diseases in 203 cases (31.4%), fractures in 236 cases (36.5%), and no pathological findings in 207 cases (32.1%). Among bone and joint diseases, hip dysplasia (101 cases, 49.8%) and osteoarthritis (72 cases, 35.5%) were most common, while bone tumors (10 cases, 3.7%), tenosynovitis (18 cases, 6.7%), and panosteitis (2 cases, 0.7%) were less frequent. Pelvic fractures were predominantly ilio-ischiatic (42 cases, 57.5%), followed by pubic bone (15 cases, 20.5%), iliac wing (10 cases, 13.7%), and ilium (6 cases, 8.2%) fractures. Among long bone fractures, femoral body fractures were most prevalent (74 cases, 47.4%), followed by tibial (40 cases, 25.6%), femoral head (25 cases, 16.0%), femoral head luxation (12 cases, 7.7%), and fibular fractures (5 cases, 3.2%). The high incidence of hind limb fractures highlights the vulnerability of animals to trauma, likely due to accidents or collisions common in this region. Further research is essential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and refine management strategies for bone and joint diseases across species.