Fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP) is a disease process that has not previously
been reported in toy-breed dogs. This report describes a presumptive case of FMCP
in a 14-month-old Chihuahua that was presented for evaluation approximately four weeks
following acute onset of moderate lameness in the left forelimb. Definitive diagnosis
of a fragmented medial coronoid process was based upon computed tomography (CT) scan.
A CT scan also demonstrated moderate joint incongruity in the affected elbow. Surgical
removal of the fragment and subtotal coronoidectomy were performed via a medial arthrotomy.
An ulnar ostectomy was also performed to address joint incongruity. Histology of specimens
removed at surgery did not demonstrate evidence of microdamage as characteristic of
FMCP in large breed dogs, and instead, suggested that the fracture was acute and traumatic
in nature. Rapid return to function was observed following surgery.
Keywords
Fragmented medial coronoid process - traumatic fracture - jump-down syndrome