Radiographic Studies on the Fusion of Ossification Centres in the Developing Scapula and Humerus Bones in Different Breeds of Dogs (Canis familiaris)

Abstract

The present study was carried out on the 18 pups of German Shepherd, Pomeranian and non-descript dogs, six each from different litters of either sex and of known age to study the radiographic anatomy on the fusion of ossification centres in the developing scapula and humerus bones at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days of age, respectively. It was found that the scapula developed from two principal centres of ossification. The centre for the body was present and well developed at the time of birth whereas, the centre for tuber scapulae remained separated from the body of scapula up to the age of 180 days in puppies of all the three breeds, with the exception of two Pomeranian puppies, which showed complete closure of scapular epiphyseal plate at this age. It was observed that the humerus developed from five centres of ossification, where the diaphyseal centre was well developed at the time of birth. The centre for the proximal epiphysis and the lateral condyle appeared at 15 days of age and the centre for the medial condyle appeared at 30 days of age in all the breeds of dogs.