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Ultrasonography is a cost-effective, non-invasive technique, which can be performed in conscious dogs. It frequently contributes valuable and even crucial diagnostic information in cases with hind limb lameness originating from the stifle joint. The first part of the article introduces the technical requirements and limitations as well as the standardized scanning protocol and ultrasonographic anatomy of the stifle joint. Ultrasonographic features encountered in common pathologies of the stifle joint (joint effusion, cranial cruciate ligament rupture and meniscal pathologies) are presented. Sonographic diagnostics of other pathologies of the canine stifle joint will be described in the second part of this article.