Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2000; 13(04): 191-196
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632659
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Idiopathic erosive polyarthritis in six dogs (description of the disease and treatment with bilateral pancarpal arthrodesis)

S. C. Ralphs
1   Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston, TX, USA
,
B. S. Beale
1   Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston, TX, USA
,
W. O. Whitney
1   Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston, TX, USA
,
W. Liska
1   Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, Houston, TX, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 13 October 1999

Accepted 17 May 2000

Publication Date:
09 February 2018 (online)

Summary

Six dogs with severe, deforming, idiopathic erosive polyarthritis (IEP) were treated with bilateral pancarpal arthrodesis using bone-plate stabilization. This type of arthropathy resembles those classified previously as canine rheumatoid arthritis and results in a progressive erosion of articular cartilage and instability of multiple joints, most notably the carpi, tarsi and digits. Arthrodesis was successful in all of the cases and resulted in a significant improvement in ambulation in all six dogs, even in the presence of continued compromise of phalangeal and tarsal joints.

Idiopathic erosive polyarthritis (IEP) is a disease of unknown pathogenesis that affects multiple joints of dogs, usually of the distal limbs, and causes a symmetrical, progressive lameness. Six dogs affected with IEP were treated with bilateral pancarpal arthrodesis, resulting in improved ambulatory ability and an adequate quality of life.

 
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