Development of osteochondrosis in the distal ulnar physeal region in pigs between 8-24 week of age: radiographic study

摘要

In a longitudinal study, radiologic examination of the distal ulnar physeal region was carried out to demonstrate the time of occurrence and the appearance of early radiographic signs of osteochondrosis in the distal ulnar physeal plate. Ten large white breed pigs were examined radiologically five times from eight weeks to 24 weeks old. The radiographic changes were correlated with the macro- and microscopic findings at the end of the study. Osteochondrosis at the distal ulnar physeal plate developed early in life and the first radiologic signs can be detected at the age of 12 weeks. However, radiographic changes at 16 weeks old were a more accurate guide to the development of osteochondrosis. The incidence of the lesion was 70% at the age of 16 weeks. On the basis of these results, radiographic screening of pigs for osteochondrosis at 16 weeks old could be recommended for selection against osteochondrosis.