fourleg.com

Some help needed.

2 y old FN springer spaniel
sudden onset right elbow lameness 3 months ago
not responsive to rest and nsaid use
exam reveals tenderness on elbow extension, lameness ++ after elbow tensioning, now also some muscle wastage

CT scan shows bilateral humeral condyl fissure but no fracture, right definite worse than left

I suspect the fissure is indeed the cause of lameness.
It seems that 25 % of dogs with this eventually need surgery to screw it together or are at high risk imminent fracture
I plan to treat it with same protocol as I would an elbow MCP for a few weeks ( o unable to do anything invasive for the next 4 weeks). HEP, PEMF, herbal support that increases blood flow in peri articular tissue, rest and avoid jumping.
Anyone any experience with avoiding fracture/ surgery on these guys?
Kind regards
Veerle

Hi Veerle,

I had a similar case, many years ago. No MRI however, but a presumed FCP or OCD.
And the dog did well with Rest (walks only... that don't make the lameness worse), laser, PEMF, joint compressions, and I was totally impressed within a month. Discharged the dog at 2 months.

So, fingers crossed, you might have similar luck with this dog! I think you're doing good things, and seeing as the owner can't do anything for a month anyways, sounds like you have a wonderful controlled trial!

Keep us posted!

Laurie