Microangiography of the Humeral Condyle in Cocker Spaniel and Non-Cocker Spaniel Dogs

Abstract

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the blood supply to the humeral condyle of dogs and compare the blood supply of Cocker Spaniel dogs to non- Cocker Spaniel dogs. We hypothesize that there is a congenitally altered blood supply of the humeral condyle in some Cocker Spaniels when compared to the blood supply of the humeral condyle in other breeds of dogs, which leads to abnormal ossification between the medial and lateral aspects of the humeral condyle, and predisposes them to fracture and delayed healing.Microangiography was performed on four Cocker Spaniel and four non- Cocker Spaniel dogs of similar size and weight. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the microangiographs of the humeral condyles revealed a decreased vascular density in the medial, midcondylar and lateral aspects of the condyle in the Cocker Spaniel dogs compared to the non-Cocker Spaniel dogs. This decreased vascular density may play a role in the increased incidence of humeral condylar fractures in the adult Cocker Spaniel dog without any or only minor trauma, and in the delayed healing seen in association with these fractures.A microradiographic comparison was made between the blood supply of the humeral condyles of Cocker Spaniel and other breeds of dogs. A decreased vascular density was documented in Cocker Spaniel dogs.

Short‐ and long‐term outcome after transcondylar screw placement to treat humeral intracondylar fissure in dogs

“…The high complication rate after TCS placement may be the result of continued postoperative instability, placement of the TCS through abnormal or sclerotic bone with decreased capillary density, bone necrosis due to high drill temperatures in sclerotic bone, minimal soft tissue coverage of the lateral aspect of the elbow, repeated trauma of the lateral elbow due to contact with ground when lying down, and presence of a cryptic infection within the intracondylar fissure prior to surgery (S. Carmichael, personal communication, January 2010). Most previous studies have reported persistence of the intracondylar fissure regardless of treatment .…”

Postoperative Complications after Surgical Management of Incomplete Ossification of the Humeral Condyle in Dogs

“…One possible reason for the higher rate of postoperative sepsis in dogs undergoing surgical management of IOHC is placement of an implant in an area of abnormal and sclerotic bone. One microangiography study demonstrated a decreased density of vessels in the humeral condyle of the cocker spaniel (without IOHC) 24 ; however, the significance of this observation is unknown.…”

“…Summarily, the overall complication rate after surgery for management of IOHC was 59.5% with the most common complications being development of a seroma (n = 25) or SSI (24). The incidence of SSI was higher than anticipated and this should be discussed with an owner before undertaking surgical management of IOHC.…”

“…Transcondylar cortical screw size in both groups varied by dog size from 2.7 to 5.5 mm. Transcondylar screw sizes were 4.5 mm (n = 68), 3.5 mm (7), 2.7 mm (2), and 5.5 mm (2) and screws were inserted as positional screws (55) or in lag fashion (24). Transcondylar bone tunnels were drilled to encourage intracondylar ossification in 11 elbows.…”

“…The overall complication rate was 59.5%. Seroma (n = 25) and SSI (24) were the most commonly encountered complications. Implant failure occurred in 2 dogs.…”