Deformity secondary to bilateral incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in a German Shorthaired Pointer dog

D. J. F. von Pfeil; C. E. DeCamp; C. Agnello; B. A. Steficek

doi:10.3415/VCOT-10-01-0014

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2010; 23(06): 468-471
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-10-01-0014

Case Report

Schattauer GmbH

Deformity secondary to bilateral incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in a German Shorthaired Pointer dog

A case report with ten-year follow-up

D. J. F. von Pfeil

¹Veterinary Specialists of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, USA

,

C. E. DeCamp

²Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA

,

C. Agnello

³Sumner Veterinary Hospital, Sumner, Washington, USA

,

B. A. Steficek

⁴Diagnositic Center for Population and Animal Health, Lansing , Michigan, USA

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

A five-month-old male, German Shorthaired Pointer dog was presented for severe, bilateral, thoracic-limb-lameness, with elbow swelling, pain, and crepitus. Radiography and computed tomography confirmed bilateral incomplete ossification of the humeral condyles (IOHC), with a non-displaced incomplete fracture of the left medial epicondylar crest and condylar deformity, characterised by enlargement of the trochleas with extension of the disto-medial aspect of the bone below the normal elbow joint level, and a deformed proximo-medial aspect of the ulna and radius. Transcondylar lag screws were placed bilaterally in an attempt to prevent fracture. Microscopic examination of biopsies, harvested from both humeral condyles, was supportive of IOHC. Six years after surgery, radiographs showed severe osteoarthritis and it appeared that fusion of the humeral condyles had not occurred. The dog followed an active life style until 10 years after surgery when the elbows showed almost no observable range-of-motion. However, discomfort was evident only after heavy exercise. Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyles may be associated with osteoarthritis, risk for non-union, implant failure, or secondary condylar fracture. This dog maintained good limb function despite these concerns, and despite bilateral humeral condylar deformity as well as development of severe osteoarthritis. This is the first report of a German Shorthaired Pointer dog with IOHC and the first histological description supportive of this condition in a five-month-old dog.

Keywords

Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle - humeral condyle malformation - humeral condylar fracture - dog - German Shorthaired Pointer dog

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References

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