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Bilateral
Elbow Dysplasia and Elbow Arthroscopy The diagnosis of elbow dysplasia is made from a combination of clinical signs, manipulation of the joints, and x-rays. Correct X-ray technique is crucial for making the diagnosis. X-rays will reveal the incongruity of the joint. In the Jan 1, 1999 issue of the AVMA Journal there was a report on X-ray technique for diagnosing fractured coronoid processes and they found that a craniolateral-caudomedial oblique X-ray (not part of the standard views taken at most practices) was the best way to see a fractured coronoid process. Your vet might be able to find this paper and get an idea of the technique. It might help to resolve some of the questions about what is going on if a better view of the coronoid process can be seen. Increased bone density of the ulnar notch is also evident. OCD lesions and united anconeal processes are often evident. While the fragments of the coronoid process cannot readily be seen on an X-ray, the coronoid process will be missing. Arthritis is often present, and can be mild to severe. The severity of the elbow dysplasia is usually described by Grades one through three. Grade three could be so severe that total elbow replacement may be required because there is massive cartilage damage and the pet may not be able to take aspirin and or not have an ineffective response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Linda Louise was near a Grade Three – she had visible bone chips.
overview
| development | clinical
signs | diagnosis | treatment
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