The coronoid process is a small piece of bone inside the elbow joint of a dog.
It may be small, but unfortunately it sits in an area that can receive excessive pressure when the elbow joint doesn’t fit together perfectly.
Problems with the coronoid process are one of the conditions we see as part of elbow dysplasia.
Why Does the Coronoid Process Get Damaged?
A healthy elbow is designed so that the bones fit together smoothly and share the dog’s weight evenly.
If the elbow doesn’t develop with a perfect fit, too much pressure can be concentrated on the coronoid process.
Think of a table with one leg slightly shorter than the others. Instead of the weight being shared evenly, the table rocks and certain points repeatedly take more pressure.
Something similar can happen inside an abnormal elbow.
Genetics, abnormal growth and nutritional factors during development can all contribute to problems with the way the elbow develops.
What Happens to the Coronoid Process?
Repeated excessive pressure can damage this small piece of bone.
The damage can range from:
- Small cracks within the bone.
- Damage to the cartilage covering it.
- A partial fracture.
- A fragment of bone breaking away inside the joint.
This can cause inflammation and pain within the elbow.
Over time, continued abnormal pressure and movement can also damage the rest of the joint and lead to arthritis.
What Are the Signs?
Dogs with coronoid disease commonly develop front leg lameness.
The limp may initially be quite subtle and only appear after exercise. Other dogs can be considerably more painful, particularly when a fragment has broken away.
During an orthopaedic consultation, we can usually determine whether the elbow is the source of the pain.
We will often then recommend X-rays to investigate the joint further.
Is Coronoid Disease Part of Elbow Dysplasia?
Yes.
Fragmented coronoid process is one of the conditions included under the term elbow dysplasia.
Elbow dysplasia simply describes a group of developmental problems where the elbow has not formed or fitted together normally.
Treatment depends on exactly what is happening inside the joint.
Some dogs can be managed with rest, anti-inflammatory medication and appropriate exercise management. In other dogs, particularly where there is a painful loose or damaged fragment, further investigation and surgical treatment may be recommended.
Is Your Dog Limping on a Front Leg?
At Sandringham Veterinary Hospital in Bayside Melbourne, elbow problems are a common cause of persistent front leg lameness that we investigate.
The first step is a good orthopaedic examination to determine whether the pain is coming from the elbow and whether further imaging is needed.
If your dog has persistent or recurring front leg lameness, contact Sandringham Veterinary Hospital to arrange an assessment.