Elbow Dysplasia....the bane of our existence.

Many of you have probably heard of hip dysplasia in dogs. It may be news to you that there is also dysplasia of the elbows as well. Dysplasia is a term that basically means 'abnormality of development.' With dogs, there are many variations of elbow dysplasia. The one that Hunter is unfortunate enough to have is called Ununited Anconeal Process.

This type of dysplasia occurs when the anconeal process (a small bony projection) fails to unite with the ulna (bone in the foreleg). The anconeal process is critical in the formation of a healthy, functioning elbow joint. It provides stability to the elbow, especially when the leg is extended.
In a healthy dog, the anconeal process fuses between 16-24 weeks of age. In dogs with UAP, it simply fails to fuse.
UAP is most common in German Sheperds (awesome...) and 10-33% of cases it is bilateral; meaning it affects BOTH sides of the body. Hunter was lucky in the sense that only his right elbow had the dysplasia.
Hunter's UAP was diagnosed by x-ray:

This is Hunter's left elbow, which is normal

This is Hunter's right elbow that has the Ununited Anconeal Process

Unfortunately, I do not have Hunter's post-operative radiographs. The surgery involved placing a screw through the anconeal process and seating it into the ulnar bone. This screw is to 'attach' the anoconeal process, which will encourage it to fuse to the ulna as it's supposed to. This screw will remain in Hunter's elbow for life. The surgeon also had to shorten the ulnar bone; with UAP because the elbow joint is not 'true' the ulna can sometimes 'overgrow' adding pressure in the elbow joint (this was my understanding from the surgeon, but I am definetely not a veterinarian). So Hunter's ulna was shortened and an orthopedic pin was inserted into the ulna for stability. That pin was removed two weeks ago.

With the anconeal process attached, Hunter can now have a true, functional elbow joint. Chances are that he will develop arthritis and some mobility issues with his elbow in the future, but our hope is that for now he can enjoy his limb.

Since the surgery Hunter has been on strict rest. This means no walks, on leash to go outside to pee, no running or jumping. If you've ever met Hunter, you would know that energy comes by the kilogram. He plays in a very over-stated manner, throwing toys into the air, diving across the floor to catch a ball, and racing madly around the room to find a hidden Kong. So to say the post-operative period has been challenging, would be a gross understatement.

Having said that, Hunter has coped much better than any of us could've hoped. A dog of his drive, breeding, and size is not meant to be cooped up inside a house with no external exercise. But he manages, and satisfies his drive in other ways (by attacking Buster's head as he walks down the hallway).

Hunter goes to see his surgeon on the 3rd of February to have his elbow re-xrayed. The elbow has been healing very well but is not 100% fused yet. We are hoping and praying that the news will be good in February and that Hunter will be allowed to resume some mild exercise at that time!

Fingers crossed for our boy!

Hunter giving his best example of 'bed rest!'