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Differential diagnosis of an unusual shoulder articular lesion in an ancient domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris L., 1758).

Authors :
Lawler DF
Rubin DA
Evans RH
Hildebolt CF
Smith KE
Widga C
Martin TJ
Siegel M
Sackman JE
Smith GK
Patel TK
Source :
International journal of paleopathology [Int J Paleopathol] 2013 Dec; Vol. 3 (4), pp. 282-287. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Jul 12.
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

A proximal humeral articular surface from an ancient domestic dog deliberate burial was examined during survey of small mammal bones from a prehistoric early Late Woodland archeological site. An unusual lesion on the caudolateral articular surface prompted micro-computed tomography to define detailed structure. Results indicate cortical or immature woven bone arising subchondrally, replacing normal trabeculae, extending through a breach in the cortical surface, and having sharp transition with surrounding normal bone. Organized bone within the lesion indicates that the dog lived for months-to-years following insult. Differential diagnoses initially included: sharp penetrating trauma; intrinsic or extrinsic blunt fracturing force; osteochondrosis or complication of an osteochondral lesion; unusual osteoarthritis; and neoplasia. Computed tomography ruled out normal or unusual osteoarthritis, and neoplasia. The nature and small size of the lesion, relatively small size of the dog, and lack of evidence for complicating infection, suggest against sharp penetrating trauma as a sole cause. The most plausible differential diagnoses include: uncommon fracture-producing force in a companion animal, and blunt intrinsic or extrinsic force causing fracture at a weak point, such as an early osteochondral lesion, that was obliterated by healing. Combined gross examination, micro-computed tomography, and archeological-anthropological influences facilitated refinement of differential diagnosis.<br /> (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1879-9825
Volume :
3
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
International journal of paleopathology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
29539565
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2013.06.001