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.
Keywords
Idiopathic erosive polyarthritis - rheumatoid arthritis - carpal arthrodesis
