Background Cerebral infarctions resulting from iatrogenic air embolism (AE), mainly caused by small air bubbles, are a well-known and often overlooked event in endovascular interventions. Despite their significance, the underlying pathophysiology remains largely unclear. Methods In 24 rats, AEs were induced using a microcatheter, positioned in the carotid artery via femoral access. Rats were divided into two study groups, based on the size of the bubbles (85 and 120 µm) and two sub-groups, differing in air volume (0.39 and 0.64 µl). Ultra-high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed 1.5 hours after intervention. MRI findings including the number, single volume and total volume of the infarctions were assessed. A software-based numerical simulation was performed to qualitatively assess the microvascular pathomechanisms. Results In the study groups 22 of 24 rats (92%) revealed cerebral infarctions. The number of infarctions per rat was higher for the smaller bubbles, for the lower (medians: 5 vs 3; p=0.049) and higher air volume sub-groups (medians: 6 vs 4; p=0.012). Correspondingly, total infarction volume was higher for the smaller bubbles (1.67 vs 0.5 mm³; p=0.042). Simulations confirmed the results of the experiments and suggested that fusion of microbubbles to larger bubbles is the underlying pathomechanism of vascular occlusions. Conclusion In iatrogenic AE, the size of the bubbles can have a major impact on the number and total volume of cerebral infarctions. These findings can help to better understand the pathophysiology of this frequent, often underestimated adverse event in endovascular interventions.

The subject of hip dysplasia in dogs is still current and preoccupies both animal owners and veterinarians. Major factors affecting the development of the disorder are hip laxity and incongruent joints. Many studies on etiology, pathogenesis, and early diagnosis have been performed to reduce prevalence and select healthy dogs for breeding. The purpose of the present study was to investigate a possible relationship between dysplasia and femoral head area (FHA), femoral coverage by the acetabulum (CFH) and cranio-caudal distance of the dorsal acetabular rim (CrCdAR). Radiographs of a total of 264 skeletally mature dogs with similar physical characteristics (German wirehaired pointers (GWP), German shepherd dogs (GSD) and Labrador retrievers (LAB)) presented for routine hip dysplasia screening were recruited for the study. FHA, CFH and CrCdAR were measured and related to dysplasia status. Evaluations of FHA (p = 0.011), CFH (p < 0.001) and CrCdAR length (p = 0.003) measurements revealed significant interactions between breed, sex and FCI scores, so they had to be assessed separately. The results revealed that FHA tends to decrease as the hip dysplasia score worsens. There was no significant relationship between FHA and dysplasia assessment. FHA is breed-specific and is larger in normal and near-normal male (p = 0.001, p = 0.020) and female (p = 0.001, p = 0.013) GWP compared to GSD, respectively. FHA is greater in normal male GWP (p = 0.011) and GSD (p = 0.040) compared to females. There was a significant and strong positive correlation between FHA and CrCdAR in all breeds and sexes. Additionally, FCI scoring had a medium (GWP, GSD) to strong (LAB) negative correlation with CFH.

Purpose Cerebral infarctions caused by air embolisms (AE) are a feared risk in endovascular procedures; however, the relevance and pathophysiology of these AEs is still largely unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the origin (aorta, carotid artery or right atrium) and number of air bubbles on cerebral infarctions in an experimental in vivo model. Methods In 20 rats 1200 or 2000 highly calibrated micro air bubbles (MAB) with a size of 85 µm were injected at the aortic valve (group Ao), into the common carotid artery (group CA) or into the right atrium (group RA) using a microcatheter via a transfemoral access, resembling endovascular interventions in humans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 9.4T system was performed 1 h after MAB injection followed by finalization. Results The number (5.5 vs. 5.5 median) and embolic patterns of infarctions did not significantly differ between groups Ao and CA. The number of infarctions were significantly higher comparing 2000 and 1200 injected MABs (6 vs. 4.5; p < 0.001). The infarctions were significantly larger for group CA (median infarction volume: 0.41 mm 3 vs. 0.19 mm 3 ; p < 0.001). In group RA and in the control group no infarctions were detected. Histopathological analyses showed early signs of ischemic stroke. Conclusion Iatrogenic AEs originating at the ascending aorta cause a similar number and pattern of cerebral infarctions compared to those with origin at the carotid artery. These findings underline the relevance and potential risk of AE occurring during endovascular interventions at the aortic valve and ascending aorta.

BACKGROUND:Air embolism (AE), especially when affecting the brain, is an underrated and potentially life-threatening complication in various endovascular interventions. This study aims to investigate experimental AEs using a new model to generate micro air bubbles (MAB), to assess the impact of a catheter on these MAB, and to demonstrate the applicability of this model in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Micro air bubbles were created using a system based on microfluidic channels. The MAB were detected and analyzed automatically. Micro air bubbles, with a target size of 85 µm, were generated and injected through a microcatheter. The MAB diameters proximal and distal to the catheter were assessed and compared. In a subsequent in vivo application, 2000 MAB were injected into the aorta (at the aortic valve) and into the common carotid artery (CCA) of a rat, respectively, using a microcatheter, resembling AE occurring during cardiovascular interventions. RESULTS:Micro air bubbles with a highly calibrated size could be successfully generated (median: 85.5 µm, SD 1.9 µm). After passage of the microcatheter, the MAB were similar in diameter (median: 86.6 µm) but at a lower number (60.1% of the injected MAB) and a substantially higher scattering of diameters (SD 29.6 µm). In vivo injection of MAB into the aorta resulted in cerebral microinfarctions in both hemispheres, whereas injection into the CCA caused exclusively ipsilateral microinfarctions. CONCLUSION:Using this new AE model, MAB can be generated precisely and reproducibly, resulting in cerebral microinfarctions. This model is feasible for further studies on the pathophysiology and prevention of AE in cardiovascular procedures.

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel In dieser Langzeitbeobachtungsstudie sollten erstmals die Veränderungen der kaudalen Lendenwirbelsäule an den Lokalisationen L5/6, L6/7 und L7/S1 bei 5 Deutschen Schäferhunden im Abstand von 6 Jahren mithilfe der Computertomografie (CT) und Magnetresonanztomografie (MRT) evaluiert werden. Die Hunde waren zum Zeitpunkt der ersten Untersuchung im Mittel 26 Monate alt. Zudem wurde evaluiert, ob eine Zuchtuntersuchung im Hinblick auf eine Bandscheibendegeneration beim Junghund zielführend ist. Material und Methoden Die Bandscheiben von L7/S1, L6/7 und L5/6 wurden im Hinblick auf ihre Signalintensitätsveränderung, die Facettengelenkwinkelveränderungen in dorsaler und transversaler Schnittebene sowie die Veränderungen der Bandscheibenfläche in sagittaler und transversaler Rekonstruktionsebene im Jahr 2015 und 2021 mittels CT und MRT genauer untersucht. Alle Daten wurden computergestützt erhoben und statistisch ausgewertet und anschließend mit der gemessenen Signalintensität sowie mit der in der Praxis verwendeten, subjektiven Bandscheibendegenerationseinteilungen nach Seiler verglichen. Ergebnisse Es zeigte sich ein signifikanter Verlust der gemessenen Signalintensität der Bandscheiben in der transversalen Schnittebene sowie insgesamt eine Facettengelenkerweiterung in der transversalen Ebene von 0,54° sowie in der dorsalen Ebene von 1,8° im Zeitraum von 6 Jahren. Des Weiteren ergaben sich keine Hinweise auf einem Zusammenhang zwischen der Größe des Facettengelenkwinkels und dem Bandscheibendegenerationsgrad. Darüber hinaus wiesen die Bandscheiben unabhängig vom initialen Degenerationsgrad in der Verlaufskontrolle eine geringe Signalintensität und einen höheren Seiler Grad auf. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Untersuchungsgruppe weisen darauf hin, dass ein unauffälliger Zustand der lumbalen Bandscheiben zum Zeitpunkt der Zuchtuntersuchung im Junghundehalter keine genaue Voraussage über den späteren Degenerationsgrad zulässt und es auch bei gesunden Deutschen Schäferhunden an den Facettengelenken zu fortwährenden Umbauprozessen kommt.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to describe minimally invasive spinal stabilization using a unilateral uniplanar external skeletal fixator (ESF, type 1a) with polymethylmethacrylate, and to review short- and long-term outcomes and complications in a clinical case series. Materials and Methods Medical records from animals affected by spinal fracture luxation were reviewed. The data included breed, age, gender, body weight, aetiology, preoperative and postoperative neurological state, radiographic findings, surgical treatment, pin size, number of pins and stabilized vertebrae, intra- and postoperative complications and neurological state at re-examinations. Results Thirty-two animals were identified; three were treated conservatively, 19 surgically and 10 were euthanatized. In eight dogs and six cats, the injured spinal column was treated with a laterally applied percutaneous type 1a ESF under fluoroscopic guidance. Positive profile end-threaded pins inserted were from 1.6/1.9 to 3.5/4.3 mm in dogs and 1.6/1.9 to 2/2.3 mm in cats and were placed into two to five vertebral bodies. At the re-examinations, the neurological status had improved in 12 animals, deteriorated in one, and was unchanged in another one. In eight cases, no complications were detected. The most common complications included erythema, exudation and pin loosening. Conclusion The present work shows that type 1a ESF can be successfully and minimally invasively applied to fractures and luxations of the spine in dogs and cats with minimal major complications.

BACKGROUND:Filament perforation is a widely-used method to induce subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in mice. Whereas the perforation site has been assumed to be in the branching of middle cerebral artery (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA), we recently observed more proximal perforations.METHODS:Filament perforation was performed in CD1- (n = 10) and C57Bl/6N-mice (n = 9) ex vivo. The filament was left in place and the perforation site was microscopically assessed. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in CD1- (n = 9) and C57Bl/6J-mice (n = 29) and anatomical differences of the internal carotid artery (ICA) were determined.RESULTS:Whereas in C57Bl/6N-mice perforation occurred in the proximal intracranial ICA in 89% (n = 8), in CD1-mice the perforation site was in the proximal ICA in 50% (n = 5), in the branching between MCA and ACA in 40% (n = 4), and in the proximal ACA in 10% (n = 1). DSA revealed a stronger angulation (p<0.001) of the ICA in CD1-mice (163.5±2.81°) compared to C57Bl/6J-mice (124.5±5.49°). Body weight and ICA-angle showed no significant correlation in C57Bl/6J- (r = -0.06, pweight/angle = 0.757) and CD1-mice (r = -0.468, pweight/angle = 0.242).CONCLUSION:Filament perforation in mice occurs not only at the hitherto presumed branching between MCA and ACA, but seems to depend on mouse strain and anatomy as the proximal intracranial ICA may also be perforated frequently.

The results of the present study group indicate that an inconspicuous condition of the lumbar intervertebral discs at the time of the initial breeding examination in the young dog does not allow an accurate prediction of the subsequent degree of degeneration and that there are ongoing remodeling processes at the facet joints even in healthy German shepherd dogs.

The objective of this study was to construct a calibration phantom for bone mineral density (BMD) measurements adapted to avian anatomy by quantitative computed tomography. The determination of BMD is important to assess avian osteoporosis in poultry at production facilities and to study biological features in association with flight patterns in birds. Quantitative computed tomography measured in Hounsfield units is a well-established technique for BMD measurements. Translation of Hounsfield units into the International System of Units (mg/cm(3)) requires the use of a calibration phantom. Although calibration phantoms for routine use in humans are commercially available, phantoms suited to avian anatomy are not. A liquid dipotassium hydrogen phosphate calibration standard was constructed out of commercially available materials, easily allowing for variations in size, bone diameter, and adaptation to avian skeletal anatomy. Periodically, quantitative computed tomography scans were performed to monitor constant correlation to the calibration standard over 3 months and to monitor for the potential influence of gas bubbling and water evaporation in the rods on BMD measurements. Finally, the calibration phantom was tested for BMD measurements with carcasses from 2 bird species, including 3 peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus; 2 juvenile males, 1 adult female with inactive reproductive status) and 4 Eurasian kestrels (Falco tinnunculus; 1 juvenile and 2 adult males, 1 adult female with inactive reproductive status). Results demonstrated stability of the calibration phantom without the need to refill or replace rods, plus a stable correlation line (R-2 = .99) over the 3-month evaluation period. It was possible to place the phantom directly on the bird carcasses, close to the measured bones, to improve BMD analysis. As evaluated, the phantom appeared to be adaptive to avian skeletal anatomy. Moreover, it was possible to build the phantom within 24 hours from commercially available materials.

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides labelling of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) and the detection and semiquantitative evaluation of the labelled cells after implantation in artificial canine stifle defects using magnetic resonance imaging. Methods Magnetic resonance imaging examinations of 10 paired ( n = 20) cadaveric stifle joints were evaluated after creation of chondral defects and embedding of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides labelled canine mesenchymal stem cells. To prove the feasibility of the labelling for in vivo usage, Prussian blue staining, cell vitality tests and intralesional administration of labelled cells were conducted. Magnetic resonance imaging of ex vivo defects filled with different cell concentrations was obtained to depict the cell content semiquantitatively via signal intensity measurements (region of interest). Results Prussian blue staining showed that the labelling was effective. According to the vitality tests, it had no significant short-term influence on cell viability and proliferation rate. For the evaluation of the defect T2* sequences were feasible and stifle defects were visible allowing measurements of the signal intensity in all cases. Increasing the cell concentration within the chondral defects resulted in an inversely proportional, significant reduction of signal intensity according to the region of interest. Clinical Significance Ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxides labelling was effective. The detection of the AdMSCs in a complex anatomical structure like the surface of the femoral condyle was possible and the T2* signal intensity of the implant region was significantly correlated with the concentration of the AdMSCs.

Purpose: This prototype catheter is a newly-developed distal access catheter featuring a self-expanding, flexible, funnel-shaped tip. The purpose of its design is to reduce the risk of thrombus fragmentation during mechanical thrombectomy and improve first-pass recanalization (TICI 3). In this experimental setup, we preclinically evaluated the effectiveness and navigability of the new catheter. Methods: A vessel model was filled with a blood-like-viscous medium, and the image was projected with the corresponding vessel area by camera transmission to correspond to the conditions in an angiography. Thrombi from porcine blood were placed into the Arteria Carotis interna of the vascular model and subsequently mechanically thrombectomized with a stent retriever. In the first part, the prototype was compared to a standard distal-access-catheter without using an external catheter. (N = 20 for each catheter). In the second part the prototype was inserted through a guiding catheter (n=11) to determine the navigability performance. Results: In the first experimental series, mechanical thrombectomy was successful 19 out of 20 times (95% success rate) for the prototype catheter versus 15 out of 20 times (75% success rate) for the standard distal-access-catheter. In the second experimental series, the prototype catheter achieved first-pass recanalization 10 out of 11 times (91 % success rate) and 1 out of 11 times at second pass (9%). Conclusion: This series of experiments demonstrated higher first-pass recanalization rates for the newly-developed funnel-shaped prototype featuring a self-expanding tip in comparison to a cylindrical standard distal-access-catheter.

OBJECTIVE:To biomechanically evaluate an ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UWMWPE) suture for temporary tarsocrural immobilization as a potential alternative to the existing surgical method, which uses a 4.5 AO/ASIF calcaneotibial cortical screw.STUDY DESIGN:Randomized in vitro biomechanical study.ANIMALS:Pelvic limbs (n = 20) from 10 euthanized adult dogs (average bodyweight of 29.9 kg ± 1.9 kg).METHODS:Tarsocrural joints were immobilized either with a 4.5 AO/ASIF screw or a 1 mm diameter UHMWPE suture. Limbs were loaded with 60 N, 120 N, and 180 N, each for 100 cycles. After cyclic loading, immobilizations were loaded until failure. Load at failure and mode of failure were recorded.RESULTS:Both immobilization methods remained intact during loading with 60 N, 120 N, and 180 N. Mean and standard deviation (± SD) failure loads were higher for the cortical screw (524.9 N ± 148.7 N) than for the UHMWPE suture (387.8 N ± 105.6 N), P = .0084. The stiffness of both systems was equivalent.CONCLUSION:Both techniques were suitable for transarticular tarsocrural immobilization in large-breed canine cadavers. While load at failure was higher for the screw compared to the suture construct, stiffness of both methods was comparable based on the laboratory settings in this in vitro study.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:Based on the results of this study, both the cortical screw and the UHMWPE suture stabilized the tibiotarsal joint at clinically relevant loads. However, when exposed to high loads, the cortical screw provides increased tibiotarsal stability. Comparative data need to be collected prior to widespread use of UHMWPE sutures in clinical cases.

For many years, there has been a trend to breed cats with an increasing degree of brachycephalic head features, which are known to have a severe impact on the animals' health and welfare. The direct relation between different grades of brachycephaly and their negative implications have not been researched in this species. The aim of this study was therefore to establish correlations between the different grades of brachycephaly and reduced upper respiratory airways, exophthalmos of the eye globes and malalignment of the teeth in Persian cats. Sixty-nine Persian cats of various skull dimensions and ten Domestic shorthair cats were recruited for the study. The cats' skulls were examined using three-dimensional reconstructions created from Computed Tomography datasets. Brachycephaly was graded using established craniometric measurements (facial index, cranial index, skull index, craniofacial angle). The flow area of the nasal passageways at different locations, the amount of the eye globe not supported by the bony orbit and the axial deviation of the teeth were quantified and evaluated for a correlation with the grade of brachycephaly. The results of this study clearly show that increased grades of brachycephaly in Persian cats resulted in larger extra-orbital parts of the ocular bulbs. The brachycephalic skull dimension also resulted in a lower height of the naso-osseal aperture, while other areas of the nasal airways were not correlated with the severity of brachycephaly. Persian cats showed a significantly increased occurrence of premolar tooth displacement in the upper jaw with increasing brachycephaly grades. It was interesting to note that the measured values had a broad range and values of some individual Persian cats showed an overlap with those of Domestic shorthair cats.

Introduction: Spinal fractures and luxations are a rare but challenging traumatic ailment in dogs and cats. Numerous stabilization techniques are known but many are very invasive. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe minimal invasive spinal stabilization using a unilateral uniplanar external skeletal fixator and to review short- and long-term outcome and complications in a clinical case series.

Seizures are considered a clinical sign in dogs with internal hydrocephalus but are not found in recent studies. Seizure prevalence due to ventricular enlargement and the prevalence of postoperative seizures in animals is not known. To determine seizure prevalence in dogs and cats with idiopathic internal hydrocephalus, to identify risk factors for seizure development, and to determine seizure prevalence in a 2-year period after ventriculo-peritoneal shunting (VPS). Records and MRIs of 197 animals from 2001 to December 2019 were investigated. A total of 121 animals (98 dogs and 23 cats) were included in the study. A retrospective multicenter case cohort study was conducted. Databases were searched for dogs and cats with internal hydrocephalus. MRI and CSF examinations were evaluated for signs of additional underlying disorders. Prevalence of seizures was estimated for animals showing only hydrocephalus internus. Risk factors were evaluated according to age, morphometric and morphological findings in the brain. All animals that underwent surgery were reexamined 2 years after surgery. One hundred twenty-one animals (98 dogs and 23 cats) with internal hydrocephalus met the inclusion criteria. Seizure prevalence in dogs and cats with internal hydrocephalus was low (1.7%; <5.8% CI 95%). Seizures were not observed in the 2-year period after surgery. Seizure prevalence in dogs and cats diagnosed with hydrocephalus internus is low. Seizures in association with VPS do not seem to be a complication of the procedure.

Zusammenfassung Gegenstand und Ziel Die Ellbogengelenkdysplasie (ED) ist eine genetisch bedingte Entwicklungsstörung des kaninen Ellbogengelenks und eine häufige Lahmheitsursache der Vordergliedmaße des Haushundes (Canis lupus familiaris). Sie tritt überwiegend bei großen und mittelgroßen Rassehunden auf, wurde aber auch bei Mischlingshunden und Hunden kleinerer Rassen beschrieben. Angaben zu einem Vorkommen der ED bei Wildtieren fehlen in der Literatur. Ziel dieser Studie war, einen Überblick über die Anatomie des Ellbogengelenks des Rotfuchses (Vulpes vulpes) und das Vorkommen der ED bei dieser Spezies zu erlangen. Die spezielle Konformation des Ellbogengelenks beim Rotfuchs kann im direkten Vergleich mit der unserer Haushunde dabei helfen, mehr Erkenntnisse über den Einfluss der Anatomie auf die Entwicklung der ED zu gewinnen. Material und Methoden Insgesamt 94 Ellbogengelenke von 49 Rotfüchsen wurden computertomografisch untersucht und mit kaninen Ellbogengelenken verglichen. Ergebnisse Abgesehen von der Größendifferenz sowie geringgradigen artspezifischen Unterschieden zeigte sich eine große Ähnlichkeit der anatomischen Strukturen der Ellbogengelenke der Rotfüchse und Haushunde. Überproportional häufig wurde beim Rotfuchs eine runde Konformation des Koronoids festgestellt. Zwei Ellbogengelenke von 2 Rotfüchsen wiesen pathologische Veränderungen des Processus coronoideus medialis ulnae auf. Schlussfolgerung Die mit 2,1 % ermittelte Prävalenz pathologischer Veränderungen des Koronoids beim Rotfuchs ist vergleichbar mit der Prävalenz der ED bei kleinen Hunderassen. Das überproportional häufige Auftreten der runden Konformation des Koronoids beim Rotfuchs führt zu der Hypothese, dass die runde Konformation die physiologische und ursprüngliche Konformation sein könnte. Selektives Züchten auf solch ein morphologisches Merkmal kann ein Ansatz sein, die Verbreitung der ED zu verringern. Klinische Relevanz Der Einfluss der Anatomie auf die Entstehung pathologischer Veränderungen des Koronoids ist weiterhin unklar, sodass der Fokus bei der Suche nach der Ätiopathogenese, neben der Berücksichtigung der Anatomie des Ellbogengelenks, auf weiteren Faktoren (z. B. die Biomechanik, Genetik und Umweltfaktoren) liegen muss.

Objective Computed tomography (CT) is used complementarily to radiography for the evaluation of medial coronoid disease (MCD). We hypothesized that a slice thickness > 2 mm would significantly affect the image quality and detection of fragmentation of the medial coronoid process. This study aimed to assess CT features indicating direct and indirect evidence of MCD in 168 CT studies with slice thicknesses of 1-, 2- and 3 mm. Materials and Methods The CT studies were blinded in terms of CT slice thickness and patient data and randomly assessed by two independent observers. All dogs underwent arthroscopic evaluation of the elbow joints. Both observers were unaware of the arthroscopic findings. Results Notably, blurring of the bone contour ( p = 0.0001) was significantly influenced by slice thickness; here, a 1-mm thickness yielded a predominantly sharp and well-defined bone contour (observer 1, 91%; observer 2, 79%), whereas 2- (observer 1, 39.3%; observer 2, 56.3%) and especially 3-mm slice thicknesses yielded blurred margins with significantly reduced sharpness (observer 1, 0%; observer 2, 12.5%). The 1-mm slice thickness also yielded the highest fragment detection rate (observer 1, 55.4%; observer 2, 60.4%). Furthermore, the detection of fragment positions and of single fragments and fissures differed substantially with slice thickness.

A one-year-old Great Dane was presented for further diagnostics because of recurrent haematuria and pollakiuria after antibiotic therapy. Based on an ultrasound examination and subsequent sampling, the diagnosis of a rhabdomyosarcoma could be made. There was no evidence of metastases on radiographs of the thorax,. Partial cystectomy and neoureterocystotomy with intraoperative interleukin injection were performed. One month after surgery, the dog presented dyspnoea. Thoracic radiographs revealed the presence of thoracic effusion and pulmonary metastasis.

Objective Elbow dysplasia (ED) is a common developmental disease of the canine elbow joint and one of the most frequent causes of forelimb lameness in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). ED is predominantly present in medium to large breed dogs, but has also been described in mixed breed dogs and smaller breeds. In the literature, no information is available concerning the existence of ED in wildlife species. The purpose of the present study was to obtain an overview of the elbow joint anatomy of the red fox as well as to demonstrate the incidence of ED in red foxes. Knowledge regarding the elbow conformation in red foxes may help to understand the effect of anatomical difference onto the pathogenesis of developmental elbow disease.Material and methods A total 94 elbow joints of 49 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were evaluated using computed tomography (CT) and were compared to canine elbow joints.Results Apart from size differences and minor species-specific variations, the anatomy of the elbow joints of red foxes and domestic dogs proved to be very similar. In the red foxes, the rounded conformation of the medial coronoid process was shown to be present in 76 % of the individuals. Two elbow joints in 2 red foxes exhibited pathological changes of the medial coronoid process in the CT imaging.Conclusion The prevalence of medial coronoid disease in red foxes amounted to 2.1 % in the presented population. This observation is comparable to the prevalence of elbow dysplasia in small breed dogs. The rounded conformation of the medial coronoid process was found in more than three-quarters of the examined red foxes. This leads to the hypothesis that this conformation of the medial coronoid process could be the original, physiological variant. Selective breeding for such a morphological feature may be an approach to reduce the frequency of canine elbow dysplasia.Clinical relevance The significance of anatomical characteristics in the development of elbow dysplasia is still unknown. Therefore, research concerning the pathogenesis of medial coronoid disease should set its focus not only on elbow joint anatomy, but also on other influencing factors, such as biomechanics, genetics and environmental parameters.