Synovial osteochondromatosis in the elbow joint of a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

Summary

A 10-year-old Bengal tiger with a history of chronic thoracic limb lameness was presented for clinical evaluation. Radiographs of the elbows revealed extensive osteophyte formation in both joints and three ovoid mineralised densities in the right joint. Joint fluid analysis was consistent with a degenerative joint process. The joints were partially explored arthroscopically. A medial arthrotomy of the right joint allowed collection of synovial membrane samples which, when examined histopathologically, revealed the presence of cartilaginous nodules with central endochondral ossification within the synovial membrane. A diagnosis of synovial osteochondromatosis was made. This case is compared to other cases described in veterinary and human medical literature.

Clinical, radiological, and histopathological description of synovial osteochondromatosis in the elbow joint of a Bengal tiger.

Keywords

Synovium - synovial osteochondromatosis - elbow joint - Bengal tiger

• REFERENCES

• 1 Allan GS. Radiographic features of feline joint diseases. Vet Clin of North Am Small Anim Pract 2000; 30: 281-302.
• 2 Apte SS, Athanasou NA. An immunohistological study and synovium in primary synovial chondromatosis. J Pathol 1992; 166: 277-81.
• 3 Flo GL, Stickle RL, Dunstan RW. Synovial chondrometaplasia in five dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1987; 191: 1417-22.
• 4 Gregory SP, Pearson GR. Synovial osteochondromatosis in a labrador retriever bitch. J Small Anim Pract 1990; 31: 580-3.
• 5 Hubler M, Johnson KA, Burling RT, Francis DF, Ratcliffe CC. Lesions resembling osteochondromatosis in two cats. J Small Anim Pract 1986; 27: 181-7.
• 6 Kirk MD. Radiographic and histologic appearance of synovial osteochondromatosis of the femorotibial bursae in a horse: A case history report. Vet Radiol 1982; 23: 167-70.
• 7 Leu J-Z, Matsubara T, Hirohata K. Ultrastructural morphology of early cellular changes in the synovium of primary synovial chondromatosis. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1992; 276: 299-306.
• 8 Milgram JW. Secondary synovial osteochondromatosis. Bull Hosp Jt Dis Orthop Inst 1979; 40: 38-54.
• 9 Milgram JW. Synovial osteochondromatosis. A histopathological study of thirty cases. J Bone Jt Surg 1977; 59-A: 792-801.
• 10 Ogilvie-Harris DJ, Saleh K. Generalized synovial chondromatosis of the knee: A comparison of removal of the loose bodies alone with arthroscopic synovectomy. J Arthroscopic Relat Surg 1994; 10: 166-70.
• 11 Pool RR. Osteochondromatosis. In: Disease Mechanisms in Small Animal Surgery, vol 2. Bojrab J. (ed). Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company; 1993: 821-33.
• 12 Pool RR. Tumours and tumour-like lesions of joints and adjacent soft tissues. In: Tumours of Domestic Animals. 3rd edn. Moulton JE. (ed). Berkley: University of California Press; 1990: 102-56.
• 13 Sarma DP, Hoffmann EO, Subramaniam CV. Synovial chondromatosis. J La State Med Soc 1990; 142: 27-30.
• 14 Schawalder P. Die synoviale Osteochondromatose (synoviale Chondrometaplasie) beim Hund. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd 1980; 122: 673-8.
• 15 Smith RKW, Coumbe A, Schramme MC. Bilateral synovial chondromatosis of the metatarsophalangeal joints in a pony. Equine Vet J 1995; 27: 234-8.
• 16 Trias A, Quintana O. Synovial chondrometaplasia: Review of world literature and a study of 18 Canadian cases. Can J Surg 1976; 19: 151-8.
• 17 Villacin AB, Brigham LN, Bullough PG. Primary and secondary synovial chondrometaplasia. Histopathological and clinicoradiological differences. Hum Pathol 1979; 10: 439-51.