Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Post-surgery complications in dogs with humeral condyle bone issues
By Hattersley, Rachel et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2011·Small Animal Teaching Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Postoperative complications after surgical management of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs, particularly male spaniels and Labrador retrievers, underwent surgery to treat incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (a bone growth issue in the elbow). After the surgery, about 60% of the dogs experienced complications, with the most common being fluid buildup (seroma) and infections at the surgery site. Heavier dogs were more likely to develop infections, but using a specific technique for placing the surgical screw helped reduce these issues. Overall, while surgery can be effective, pet owners should be aware of the potential for complications and discuss the best surgical techniques with their veterinarian.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe incidence and type of postoperative complications in the surgical management of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) and identify any risk factors associated with development of these complications. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Clinical records of dogs (n=57) that had prophylactic transcondylar screw insertion for treatment of IOHC (79 elbows) at 6 UK referral centers were reviewed. Signalment, presentation, surgical management, postoperative care, and complications were recorded. Postoperative complications were divided into seroma, surgical site infections (SSI) and implant complications. RESULTS: Spaniel breeds and entire males were overrepresented. 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. Labrador retrievers were at greater risk of developing a postoperative complication than other breeds (P=.03). Increasing bodyweight was a significant risk factor for development of a SSI (P=.03). Placement of the transcondylar screw in lag fashion rather than as a positional screw reduced the incidence of postoperative SSI (P=.007). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of IOHC is associated with a high rate of postoperative complications. Placement of the transcondylar screw in lag fashion may limit postoperative complications and warrants further consideration.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21699552/