Radiographic Recognition of Tarsal Malformation in 8- to 9-Week-Old Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Introduction:  Tarsal malformation is a skeletal malformation of unknown aetiology associated with a variety of morphologic changes to the tarsal and metatarsal bones of the dog.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine if early diagnosis and prevalence of tarsal malformation could be obtained at approximately 8 to 9 weeks of age in multiple litters of Bernese Mountain dogs.

Methods:  A prospective study of 51 Bernese Mountain dog puppies were evaluated from 12 litters in northern Italy.