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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2012; 25(03): 239-245
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-11-03-0038
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Primary flexor enthesopathy of the canine elbow: imaging and arthroscopic findings in eight dogs with discrete radiographic changes

B. Van Ryssen
1   Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
E. de Bakker
1   Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
Y. Beaumlin
1   Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
Y. C. A. Samoy
1   Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
D. Van Vynckt
1   Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
I. Gielen
1   Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
R. Ducatelle
2   Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Merelbeke, Belgium
,
H. van Bree
1   Ghent University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Merelbeke, Belgium
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 09 March 2011

Accepted 04 March 2011

Publication Date:
19 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Objective: To describe the radiographic, ultrasonographic, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and arthroscopic findings in eight dogs with elbow lameness caused by primary flexor enthesopathy.

Study design: Clinical study.

Animals: Eight client-owned dogs.

Methods: In all dogs, lameness was localized to the elbow by clinical examination. Radiographic examination, ultrasound, CT and MRI were performed prior to arthroscopy. In seven dogs, surgical treatment and subsequent histopathology were performed.

Results: Primary enthesopathy of the medial epicondyle was diagnosed in eight dogs (13 joints) by combining the minimal radiographic changes with specific ultrasonographic, CT, MRI and arthroscopic findings at the medial epicondyle. In all joints, any other pathology could be excluded. Histopathology of the affected tissue revealed degeneration and metaplasia in the flexor muscles.

Conclusions: Primary flexor enthesopathy at the medial epicondyle is an unrecognized condition and is a possible cause of elbow lameness in the dog. Diagnosis is based on specific imaging and arthroscopic findings.

Clinical relevance: The most important cause of elbow lameness in dogs is medial coronoid disease. Often this condition presents with minimal radiographic and arthroscopic changes. In these cases, primary enthesopathy of the medial epicondyle should be considered as a differential diagnosis, in order to make the correct treatment decision.

Keywords

Elbow - dog - medial epicondyle - flexor enthesopathy - diagnosis
 

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