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Kryten has Elbow Dysplasia

Smokeycat

Well-Known Member
I thought that I would start a new thread for anyone else who may go thru this with their pet. I was completely unaware that there even was a group of disorders called elbow dysplasia (ED) until I started to do research last week about what could cause a clicking/crunching sound in a dog's elbow. There are 3 disorders covered by the title of ED: Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP), Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP) and Osteochrondrosis (OCD). All 3 lead to Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) or more commonly called arthritis.

Right now I only have a preliminary diagnosis of bilateral UAP and DJD. The x-rays have been sent to a radiologist since FCP and OCD are harder to diagnose.
X-ray Left Elbow 042313.jpgX-rays Right Elbow 042313.jpgX-rays Elbows Dorsal view 042313.jpg
The red arrows point to the UAP locations. The roughness of the bones is the DJD.

I'm going to contact the specialist in Calgary tomorrow to find out where we go from here since UAP is only solved by surgery.
 

Smart_Family

Dog Food Guru
Oh wow I'm so sorry! I'm glad you took him to the vet to see what was up. I'll be thinking good thoughts for you both.
 

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
Oh, I am sorry to hear this as well. But I am sure you'll be putting him in the best hands possible to deal with the issue...

How old is he now?
 

Sadies Mom

Well-Known Member
Just out of curiosity....I know you have not been to the specialist yet, but you said surgery will "cure" ED. In the research you have done, what do they do? I am so sorry to hear this. He is so young :(
 

Smokeycat

Well-Known Member
There are 2 surgeries that I've been told of. Which one they do depends on the severity and location of the UAP and whatever else might be going on inside the joint. The first they remove the unattached section of bone. In the second they pin it back in place so that it can't move independently. Some of the statistics I've read say 90% see improvement but almost all develop DJD later, he already has that.
 

ruthcatrin

Well-Known Member
Elbow dysplasia (warning, very not pretty pictures)
  • Most of the dogs with ununited anconeal process will be helped with surgery (about 60% return to normal function, 30% are improved, and 10% do not improve with surgery).
  • Approximately 75% of the dogs with having a fragmented coronoid process or OCD of the elbow will be helped with surgery. Unfortunately, surgery will not remove the arthritis that is already present in the joint. As a result, some pets may have some stiffness of the limb or lameness after very heavy exercise or during weather changes (cool damp conditions).
  • Dogs that have dramatically swollen elbows prior to surgery tend to be have a lower success rate.

Thats the best set numbers I can find right at the moment, lots of articles, not alot of references....
 

cinnamon roll

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
I'm so sorry to hear that he will require surgery. My thoughts are with you both.

Sent from my HTC VLE_U using Tapatalk 2
 

angelbears

Well-Known Member
Hang in there. A lot of dogs do fine with ED. Big hugs and healing vibes. Ya'll will be in our positive thoughts.
 

Smokeycat

Well-Known Member
what's his family history, testing & etc?

Since joining this group I've come to realize that his breeder was a byb. I'd consider her a high end byb because she did some tests, hips were x-rayed but not evaluated by a socialist, but no genetic testing was done. I also saw the health records for both parents and 2 additional generations on the sires side. His dam was in a leg brace when I picked up Kryten but was told that she had hurt her leg playing with one of the other adult EMs. I've since lost touch with the lady so I can't ask about any know ED in his lines.
 

trixie28

Well-Known Member
Poor guy :( so Sorry to hear this news,sending you both my best wishes and hope Kryten gets well soon:)