Elbow Dysplasia
WHAT IS ELBOW DYSPLASIA?
Elbow dysplasia was originally described as a developmental
disease manifested as degenerative joint disease of the elbow with or
without an ununited anconeal process. Erroneously, the term elbow dysplasia
became synonymous with ununited anconeal process thus causing the confusion
that exists among some veterinarians and breeders.
Developmental degenerative joint disease of the elbow
has multiple inherited etiologies, which may occur singularly or in combination
(ununited anconeal process, fragmented medial coronoid process, or osteochondritis
of the medial humeral condyle).
METHOD OF DIAGNOSIS
Proper evaluation of this region requires the elbow
be positioned in extreme flexion and good radiographic technique be used.
If a specific etiology is sought additional views are suggested.
Extreme flexed lateral required
The purpose of the registry is to identify phenotypically
normal dogs and screen elbow radiographs for signs of early degenerative
joint disease. The earliest and most consistent secondary change is a
smooth periosteal reaction on the proximal anconeal process and/or joint
incongruity.
Periosteal reaction on anconeal process
Normal elbows on individuals 24 months or older are
assigned a breed registry number and will periodically be reported to
the parent breed club.
Abnormal findings are reported only to the owner of
record and referring veterinarian.
Abnormal elbows are reported as:
- Grade I- minimal bone change on the anconeal process.
- Grand II- additional subchondral bone changes and/or
osteophytes.
- Grade III- well developed degenerative joint disease.
Craniocaudal
Neutral Lateral
15-20 degree Craniolateral-Caudomedial Oblique
TESTIMONIAL
While surfing your website, I came across the article
on elbow dysplasia. I have had first hand experience with this condition.
After talking with the broker where my department purchased the dog, he
had never heard condition. Likewise, I was unable to find anyone else
in the area K9 programs who have heard or dealt with this condition. I
would like, to share my experience with you.
I am a K9 handier for the Rockford (Illinois) Police
Department. In November, 1998, 1 graduated with my partner, Valco, a 2
1/2 year old Dutch Shepherd from the Illinois State Police Academy K9
training section. A few times during class, I noticed that Valco was limping.
I would check his left leg and noticed no problems. Valco would also show
no complaints to my manipulation of his leg. I had him checked by my vet
who could likewise find no problem on external exam. Due to the training,
the problem was figured to be a muscle strain. Valco was put on Rimadyl
and continued to train.
In late December'98, Valco began limping again, but
this time on a daily basis. He again showed no complaints upon examination
by me or my vet. X-rays were taken in early January and Valco was diagnosed
with Ununited Anconeal Process. Very slight arthritis was also evident
in the joint. I took Valco to the University of Wisconsin (Madison) Vet
Hospital where he was examined by orthopedic surgeons. After much debate
with my department, the decision was made to have screw fixation surgery
to reattach the anconeal process to stabilize the joint and try to continue
working Valco as a full service dog. Valco was returned to the UW for
surgery. I was notified that during workups for surgery, x-rays taken
at the UW also showed a high probability of Fragmented Medial Corornid
Process. The decision was made not to have surgery but replace the dog
as he was still under skeletal warranty from the broker.
This is a problem I had never heard of until my dog
was diagnosed with it. I am sure most handlers have never heard of it
either. It is not a common affliction, but it is a career shortening or
ending problem for the dog. Attached is a photo of Valco. If you look
closely at his left elbow, it is bowed outward slightly. This photo was
taken 6 days before he was diagnosed.
Respectfully,
Mark
Rockford Police Dept.
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