Ununited Anconeal Process

Rottweilers are one of the breeds at higher risk of ununited anconeal process than other dogs.

An ununited anconeal process is one of the three main causes of elbow dysplasia in dogs. The anconeal process is a bony outcropping on the back of the ulna. In a healthy dog, the anconeal process will unite to the ulna between 4 and 5 months of age. This does not occur in dogs with ununited anconeal process, causing affected dogs pain with movement of the elbow joint. The pain is due to stress put on the abnormal bone structure.

Breeds, Gender, and Age Most Commonly Affected by Ununited Anconeal Process

Presentations and Signs of Ununited Anconeal Process

Diagnosis of Ununited Anconeal Process

Ununited anconeal process is diagnosed through a veterinarian's examination and x-rays. A certain x-ray position called a medio-lateral flexed view is the best way to visualize this condition.

Treatment of Ununited Anconeal Process

Non-surgical options do not usually provide the desired result of pain relief for ununited anconeal process. NSAID medications such as Rimadyl or Deramaxx do not work as well for this cause of elbow dysplasia as for the others.

Surgery, in many cases, works well if the condition is caught early, but owners should be aware that any component of arthritis that is in the elbow joint will continue to cause the dog pain, even after surgery. The most frequently used and effective surgery for this disease is the removal of the unfused bone. There are other options that are used less often such as a lag screw or osteotomy.

If you and your veterinarian decide that surgery is the best option for your dog, it is recommended to have the surgery done via arthroscopy by a board certified veterinary orthopedic surgeon. This specialized veterinarian will decide which form of surgery is best for your pet based on many factors.

Prevention of Ununited Anconeal Process

Prognosis of Ununited Anconeal Process

Alternative Therapies for Ununited Anconeal Process


Notes:

*Glucosamine supplements should be in the form of glucosamine hydrochloride (HCl) not glucosamine sulfate as glucosamine HCl has better bioavailability.

*Omega 3 fatty acids should be in the form of fish or krill oils, not flaxseed. Fish and krill oils provide the correct forms of anti-inflammatory omega 3s, whereas flaxseed requires conversion to the anti-inflammatory compounds and dogs have limited amounts of the enzyme required to make this conversion.


References


You might also like:

Causes of Lameness in Dogs: An Overview

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Dogs

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Medial Fragmented Coronoid Process

Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs

Osteochondritis Dessicans of the Humeral Condyle (OCD)

Panosteitis in Dogs: Growing Pains


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