Sonoelastographic Features of the Patellar Ligament in Clinically Normal Dogs

Objective This article describes the sonoelastographic features of the patellar ligament of sound dogs and tests feasibility, reproducibility and repeatability. Methods Clinically healthy medium-to-large breed dogs were enrolled. Sonoelastographic images of the patellar ligaments were obtained in lateral recumbency with the stifle flexed by an experienced operator and by a senior veterinary student. The elasticity colour map included red (soft), green (intermediate) and blue (hard). Tissue elasticity was measured by calculating the percentage of softness with dedicated software. Categorical, qualitative data analysis was performed using a weighted kappa statistic for repeatability and reproducibility.Acategorical qualitative assessmentwas performedbasedon a grading scale of 1 to 5 (soft, mostly soft, intermediate, mostly hard and hard).

Angela P. Piccionello¹ Daniele Serrani¹ Valeria Busoni² Alberto Salvaggio¹ Mattia Bonazzi³ Chiara Bergamino⁴ Antonella Volta⁵

¹School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Matelica, Italy ²Department of Imaging, Faculté de Médicine Vétérinaire, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium ³Casa di Cura Veterinaria San Geminiano, Modena, Italy ⁴Department of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, College of Agriculture Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, Dublin, Ireland ⁵Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy