Elbow dysplasia
3878463
216006702
2008-05-30T17:38:14Z
DumZiBoT
6085301
Bot: Converting bare references, see [[User:DumZiBoT/refLinks|FAQ]]
:''This article pertains to elbow dysplasia in the [[dog]].''
'''Elbow dysplasia''' is a condition involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the [[elbow-joint]]. It is a common condition of certain breeds of [[dog]]s. Most developmental elbow abnormalities are related to '''[[osteochondrosis]]''' (OCD), which is a disease of the joint [[cartilage]]. '''[[Osteochondritis]] dissecans''' refers to separation of a flap of cartilage on the joint surface.
[[Image:IPA.jpg|thumb|Ununited anconeal process]]
==Causes==
In OCD, the normal change of cartilage to [[bone]] in the development of the joint fails or is delayed. The cartilage continues to grow and may split or become [[necrosis|necrotic]]. The cause is uncertain, but possibly includes [[genetics]], [[Physical trauma|trauma]], and nutrition (including excessive [[calcium]] and decreased [[Vitamin C]] intake).<ref name=Ettinger_1995>{{cite book|author=Ettinger, Stephen J.;Feldman, Edward C.|title=Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine|edition=4th ed.|publisher=W.B. Saunders Company|year=1995|id=ISBN 0-7216-6795-3}}</ref>
==The disease==
OCD lesions are found in the elbow at the medial epicondyle of the [[humerus]]. Specific conditions related to OCD include '''fragmentation of the medial coronoid process''' of the [[ulna]] (FMCP) and an '''ununited anconeal process''' of the ulna (UAP). All types of OCD of the elbow are most typically found in large breed dogs, with symptoms starting between the ages of 4 to 8 months.<ref name=Ettinger_1995/> Males are affected twice as often as females. The disease often affects both elbows (30 to 70 percent of the time), and symptoms include intermittent lameness, joint swelling, and external rotation and [[abduction (kinesiology)|abduction]] of the paw.<ref name=Hazewinkel>{{cite web | last = Hazewinkel | first = H.A.W. | title = Elbow Dysplasia; Clinical Aspects and Screening Programs | work = Proceedings of the 28th World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association | date = 2003 | url = http://www.vin.com/proceedings/Proceedings.plx?CID=WSAVA2003&PID=6574&O=Generic | accessdate = 2006-08-24 }}</ref> [[Osteoarthritis]] will develop later in most cases.
UAP is caused by a separation from the ulna of the [[ossification center]] of the [[anconeal process]]. FMCP is caused by a failure of the [[Coronoid process of the ulna|coronoid process]] to unite with the ulna. OCD of the medial epicondyle of the humerus is caused by disturbed endochondral fusion of the [[epiphysis]] of the medial epicondyle with the distal end of the humerus, which may in turn be caused by [[avulsion fracture|avulsion]] of the epiphysis.<ref>{{cite web | title = Elbow Dysplasia | work = The Merck Veterinary Manual | date = 2006 | url = http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/91305.htm | accessdate = 2007-02-04 }}</ref>
==Diagnosis and treatment==
Diagnosis is through [[x-ray]]s and [[arthroscopy]]. In cases with significant lameness, [[surgery]] is the best option, especially with UAP. However, conservative treatment is often enough for cases of FMCP and OCD of the medial humeral epicondyle. The dogs are exercised regularly and given pain medication, and between the ages of 12 to 18 months the lameness will often improve or disappear.<ref name=Ettinger_1995/> Control of body weight is important in all cases of elbow dysplasia, and prevention of quick growth spurts in puppies may help to prevent the disease. Surgery for FMCP consists of removal of cartilage and bone fragments and correction of any incongruity of the joint. Reattachment of UAP with a screw is usually attempted before the age of 24 weeks, and after that age the typical treatment is removal of the UAP.<ref name=VCNA>{{cite journal |author=Demko J, McLaughlin R |title=Developmental orthopedic disease |journal=Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract |volume=35 |issue=5 |pages=1111–35, v |year=2005 |pmid=16129135 |doi=10.1016/j.cvsm.2005.05.002}}</ref> Without surgery, UAP rapidly progresses to [[osteoarthritis]], but with FMCP osteoarthritis typically occurs with or without surgery. Osteoarthritis is also a common sequela of OCD of the humerus despite medical or surgical treatment.<ref name=VCNA/> Elbow replacement surgery has been developed and can be an option for treatment<ref>[http://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/06_Animal_Welfare/Orthopaedics/Total_Elbow_Replacement.html Total Elbow Replacement, canine and feline (cat and dog) veterinary factsheets<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
[[Image:Elbowdysplasia-dog.jpg|thumb|Fragmentation of the medial coronoid process]]
The [[Orthopedic Foundation for Animals]] in the [[United States]] will grade elbow X-rays of dogs intended for breeding.
==Commonly affected breeds==
===UAP===
*[[German Shepherd Dog]]
*[[Labrador Retriever]]
*[[Basset Hound]]
*[[Newfoundland (dog)|Newfoundland]]
*[[Shar Pei]]
*[[Chow Chow]]
*[[English Setter]]
*[[Golden Retriever]]
*[[Mastiff]]
*[[Pomeranian (dog)|Pomeranian]]
*[[Rottweiler]]
*[[St. Bernard (dog)|Saint Bernard]]<ref name=JAAHA>{{cite journal |author=LaFond E, Breur G, Austin C |title=Breed susceptibility for developmental orthopedic diseases in dogs |journal=J Am Anim Hosp Assoc |volume=38 |issue=5 |pages=467–77 |year=2002 |pmid=12220032}}</ref>
===FMCP===
*Basset hound
*[[Bouvier des Flandres]]
*[[Bullmastiff]]
*Chow Chow
*German Shepherd Dog
*Golden Retriever
*[[Gordon Setter]]
*[[Irish Wolfhound]]
*Labrador Retriever
*Mastiff
*Newfoundland
*Rottweiler
*Saint Bernard<ref name=JAAHA/>
===OCD of the medial humeral epicondyle===
*Labrador Retriever
*Chow chow
*German Shepherd Dog
*Golden Retriever
*[[Great Dane]]
*Labrador Retriever
*Newfoundland
*Rottweiler<ref name=JAAHA/>
===Elbow incongruity===
A combination of FMCP, UAP, and OCD of the medial humeral epicondyle is seen in the [[Bernese Mountain Dog]]. This is known as '''elbow incongruity''', and it may be caused by abnormal development of the trochlear notch of the ulna.<ref name=Ettinger_1995/>
==References==
<div class="references-small"> <references/> </div>
==See also==
* [[Hip dysplasia]]
[[Category:Dog diseases]]
{{Link FA|de}}
[[de:Ellbogendysplasie]]
[[no:Albueleddsartrose]]