Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyles

The incomplete ossification of the Humeruskondylen is a developmental disorder of the skeleton, in which the two condyle ( medial condyle and lateral ) of the upper arm bone ( humerus ) in the ossification ( ossification do not merge). The disease occurs mainly in domestic dogs , and here especially in spaniel breeds, but also in Labrador Retrievers , Wachtelhund , German Shepherd Dog and Rottweiler .

Both humeral condyles have their own ossification center , which in dogs fuse between three and seven months of age. The disturbance of this union occurs mostly on both sides, about a quarter of the affected animals have further disturbances of the elbow joint . This leads to the smallest of movements within the lower end of the humerus, which can lead to lameness. In addition, a fracture of the humeral condyle can occur. Sometimes the disease runs without any symptoms and is only discovered by chance during X-ray examinations .

X-rays are suitable for diagnosis, ideally a 15 ° craniomedial-caudolateral oblique projection. Cases in question should be clarified using computed tomography . A magnetic resonance imaging or arthroscopy are useful for diagnosis. Therapy is carried out by inserting a lag screw. In the case of a condylar fracture, the prognosis must always be made carefully, as the ossification disorder can also limit bone healing .

literature

• Christine Pepper and Martin Kramer: Selected orthopedic diseases during the growth phase in dogs and cats. In: Kleintierpraxis 58 (2013), pp. 306-320.

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !