Musculoskeletal System

Ununited anconeal process (UAP) describes an abnormal formation of the elbow joint. UAP tends to be a heritable disease of large and giant breed male dogs. Lameness due to UAP is typically seen by 6-12 months of age. Affected dogs limp on the affected limb(s) after activity; lameness may be intermittent. Physical examination reveals a limited range of motion and/or pain in the elbow joint. Definitive diagnosis requires x-rays of the elbow joints. If the dog appears lame on only one limb, the opposite limb should also be x-rayed as UAP may occur on both sides in a third of the cases. Affected dogs, diagnosed early before arthritis settles into the joint, may benefit from surgical removal of the malformed anconeal process to relieve acute pain. Surgery is unlikely to be of benefit in dogs that present after arthritis has settled into the joint. Regardless of whether surgery is done or not, dogs with UAP will eventually develop arthritis in the joint. To slow down the progression of arthritis, your pet should be maintained at an ideal body weight to limit pressure on the elbows. Nutritional supplements and anti-inflammatories can be beneficial in minimizing the inflammation in the joints. Your veterinarian may also recommend physical therapy to keep the elbow joint flexible and the supporting muscles strong.

Fractures in dogs and cats often result from trauma such as being hit by a car. Bones may also fracture due to disease (e.g.: infection, cancer). The most common bones to fracture from trauma are the pelvis and the long bones of the limbs: humerus, femur. Pets with fractures favor the limb and may not bear weight on it. Fractures are suspected when there is loss of weight bearing, swelling, bruising, and pain. Diagnosis of a fracture requires a physical examination and x-rays of the affected area. Due to limb shape and patient size/tolerance, most fractures in dogs and cats are repaired surgically, not with cast placement. Surgical repair of fractures involves the use of screws, pins, and/or plates to return the bone to it normal position, allow healing, and return to function. Complications of surgical repair are uncommon and often relate to a patient that is too active during the healing process. Post operative care requires rest to allow the bone to heal properly; excessive activity delays healing. Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up visits to take x-rays and monitor the progress of the healing process. Once the fracture has healed, your pet’s activity level can be gradually increased back to normal.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a developmental abnormality caused by abnormal cartilage and bone development in affected joints. Commons sites of this heritable condition include the shoulder, elbow, knee, and hock (ankle). The cause of this condition is not precisely understood, however, genetics and nutrition appear to play key roles. Accelerated growth rates in large and giant breeds predispose dogs to the development of this disease. Dogs with OCD commonly present with problems around 4 to 8 months of age; some dogs may not show symptoms until they reach middle age. Diagnosis of OCD requires a physical examination and conclusive radiographs of the affected joint(s). Because OCD tends to be a bilateral (occurring on both sides) disease, both right and left affected joints should be x-rayed. Treatment ranges from conservative therapy (e.g.: rest, weight management, anti-inflammatories) to surgical intervention in more severely affected patients or for patients that do not respond to conservative therapy.

The foul odor you smell coming from your dog’s mouth is caused by an infection around the teeth. The most common cause of the infection in your dog’s mouth is periodontal disease, which affects over 75% of dogs over 2 years of age. The inflammation begins when bacteria set up house in the gums surrounding your pet’s teeth. Without tooth brushing, these bacteria flourish and, in combination with food particles, cause calculus deposition on the teeth. The vicious cycle begins: bacteria grow, creating inflammation, calculus deposits on the teeth, more bacteria grow, while the inflammation and calculus deposition continues. Left untreated, this inflammation progresses to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease describes an irreversible loss of the support tissues of the teeth. Destruction of the support tissues surrounding the teeth causes pain, deeper infections, and tooth loss. Unresolved infections caused by periodontal disease can spread beyond the oral cavity to include distant organs, such as the kidneys, liver, and heart. The goal of periodontal therapy is to restore oral health by cleaning the teeth before irreversible damage occurs. Dogs need their teeth cleaned regularly just as people do. Home dental care and regular teeth cleanings help maintain oral health to ensure a healthy, pain-free pet.

The spinal cord is protected by bony vertebrae. To allow shock absorption and flexion of the spine, the vertebrae are separated by soft cushions (intervertebral discs). These cushions are similar to jelly donuts: they have a firm exterior and a soft middle. Due to age or genetics, the outer portion degenerates and the soft center is pushed out (ruptured) without warning when the spine moves. When the disc ruptures, the center is expelled with high velocity and force, bruising the spinal cord that lies above it. The spinal cord swells from the impact and becomes compressed by the surrounding bone. Pressure on the spinal cord impairs nerve conduction along the spinal column. Symptoms of intervertebral disc disease range from acute pain to paralysis. The area of the body affected depends on the location of the disc rupture. Diagnosis of IVDD requires physical examination to localize the lesion followed by imaging studies with a myelogram (radiographs with contrast material) or MRI. Treatment depends on the severity of the signs. Mild cases benefit from strict rest and pain management. Patients with acute paralysis require emergency surgery to restore normal nerve conduction and prevent permanent nerve damage.