Study into the prevalence of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle in Springer Spaniels

Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) is a condition in which there is a weakness in the humeral condyle –part of the elbow joint in the forelimb. It is most commonly seen in spaniels, especially Springer Spaniels in the UK. This condition predisposes to fractures (breaks) of the humeral condyle and can also cause lameness. However, in some dogs it does not cause clinical signs and so an owner may not know their dog has the condition. There may be a genetic basis to the condition.

Our knowledge of this condition is very limited, for example, we have no idea how many seemingly normal Springer Spaniels are affected. The primary aim of this study is to assess the condition’s prevalence in Springer Spaniels unaffected by forelimb lameness. Definitive diagnosis of IOHC requires a CT (computed tomography) scan of the elbows. This is a non-invasive test which produces detailed x-ray images of the elbow. A dog needs to be sedated/anaesthetised for a CT scan so the scans are only performed if the patient is being sedated or anaesthetised for another procedure. The CT scan only takes around 10 minutes and the owner incurs no additional expense related to the scan.

Inclusion criteria:

• Springer Spaniel older than 16 weeks

• No history of forelimb lameness (in the previous 6  months) or previous elbow fracture

• Being sedated/anaesthetised for other investigations/procedures

Study coordinator: Andy Moores BVSc DSAS(Orth) DipECVS MRCVS

This study is being generously funded by the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association and Anderson Sturgess Veterinary Specialists.

For further information on this condition, click here

This study is now closed. The results were presented at the British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association's annual Spring meeting in Birmingham, March 2011, and a paper has been accepted for publication in the journal Veterinary & Comparative Orthopaedics & Traumatology