A RETROSPECTIVE LONG-TERM EVALUATION OF UNUNITED ANCONEAL PROCESS EXCISION ON THE CANINE ELBOW

A retrospective study was done to evaluate the long-term clinical radi ographic effects of ununited anconeal process excision performed in do gs 5 to 12 months of age. Six dogs (seven surgically treated elbows) w ere evaluated at a mean of 65 months postoperatively for front limb la meness, elbow range of motion, and radiographic evidence of osteoarthr itis. Limb use was considered good to excellent in 6 of 7 dogs. Osteoa rthritis, which progressed in all surgically treated elbows, was consi dered severe in three, moderate in one and mild to moderate in three. Early excision of an ununited anconeal process results in progressive osteoarthritis and a mild decrease in range of motion but good long-te rm function of the canine elbow joint.