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Canine Ununited Anconeal Process
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Ununited anconeal process
has been reported in numerous large and giant breeds of dog, as well
as some chnodrodystrophoid breeds such as Basset Hounds. The most commonly
affected breed is the German Shepherd.
The joint affecting the
humorous-ulnar area joint is formed by the articulation of the humorous
and the ulna. It is responsible for stabilizing the joint and restricting
extension of the elbow. The anconeal process fits into the hole of the
humorous when the elbow is extended.
In certain breeds the anconeal process which is part of the ulna
does not fuse. If not fused by 20 wk. of age this bone will stay ununited.
Due to the non-union degenerative joint disease develops as a result
of instability in the joint.
Clinical Signs:
Age of onset of clinical signs ranges from 4-8 months, although
signs may appear in animals as young as two months and as old as five
years.
Males are more commonly affected than females.
May affect both fore limbs and levels of pain and lameness may vary.
Pain is elicited on manipulation of the elbow, particularly extension.
Restricted range of movement in the elbow joint.
Swelling of the elbow
Diagnosis:
Radiographs of the elbow show evidence of the disease. Arthritis
may or may not be present.
Treatment:
Options include conservative or surgical management .Young dogs
may be best managed with surgery.
Surgical options include
-Removal of the anconeal process.
-Screwing the bones together
-Removing part of the ulna or a combination of the screwing and
removal of bone.
Techniques that preserve the anconeal process may give better long-term
success than removal of the process.
Nutraceuticals are also warranted i.e. glucosamines,
MSM, and omega fatty acids.
Prevention:
This is very likely a genetic dysfunction. Therefore, affected animals
should not be used for breeding or the parents of the affected animal.
reprinted with kind permission from David Tayman D.V.M.
VCA Columbia Animal Hospital's 10788 Hickory Ridge Rd.Columbia,
MD. 21044
Phone- 410-730-2122 Fax 410-992-9511
E-mail:
info@petshealth.com
Ununited
Anconeal Process
Race Foster, DVM
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
An ununited anconeal
process (UAP) is a disorder of the elbow. It occurs when a small bony
projection called the anconeal process fails to unite and fuse with
the ulna, the smaller of the bones making up the foreleg. The anconeal
process is critical for the proper formation of the elbow joint. It provides
stability to the joint, especially when the leg is extended.
Generally, the anconeal process and ulna fuse by 24 weeks of age.
After this age, a lameness will develop if the anconeal process remains
separated. German Shepherds, Basset Hounds, and Saint Bernards have the
highest incidence of UAP. It is considered a genetically transmitted disorder
and affected individuals should not be bred.
What are the symptoms?
This condition can affect one or both elbows. The dog will be lame
on the involved limb(s). Additionally, the elbow may appear swollen and
painful, especially when the leg is extended. Most cases are seen in
young dogs between six and twelve months of age.
What are the risks?
Quite commonly, without treatment, the joint will become severely
painful and useless. The dog will walk on three legs, or not at all if
both elbows are involved. The condition worsens with age, with severe
arthritic changes occurring.
Dogs with an ununited anconeal process may have other abnormalities
of the bones in the elbow joint. Sometimes a flap or piece of cartilage
may become dislodged from the bone. This is called osteochondritis dissecans.
What is the management?
Radiographs (x-rays) are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Once
confirmed, surgery is generally recommended. Several surgical procedures
can be used to either attach the anconeal process with screws, or remove
it completely. Even with surgery, the function of the elbow joint is
usually compromised to some degree.
Copyright
© 1997-2007, Foster & Smith, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
C 2006 Drs. Foster and Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
(
http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at
http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
reprinted
with kind permission from Josie Pitterle Article Reprint Coordinator Drs.
Foster and Smith
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The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist
you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
