Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process – FCP

is actually a small piece of bone that breaks and resides in the elbow joint of a dog.

There are three bones that make up the elbow in canines: the humerus is the bone above the elbow and the radius and ulna are the bones below the elbow. The condition occurs when a portion of the ulna known as the coronoid process breaks off from the bone and lodges in between the humerus and radius.

The cause of FCP is not entirely clear, but may have to do with the radius and ulna growing at different rates which can put pressure on the coronoid process and cause it to break off. Most often, signs of a problem are exhibited before the dog is fully grown, and the condition is seen most frequently in larger breeds of dogs. Radiographs can determine if the coronoid process has fragmented, and surgical correction can aid preventing degenerative joint disease. Shifting forelimb lameness is the most common sign of FCP.

Symptoms:

- Most likely to occur in young large or giant dogs, such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers and Dobermans

- Bone growth abnormality that causes the bone to break up exposing the tissue

- Symptoms are similar to OCD:

- Lameness in the affected limb

- Shortened forelimb stride

- Reluctance to flex or extend the joint

Procedure:

The surgical correction is known as an arthrotomy, and involves removing the fragmented portion of the ulna from the joint and smoothing any lesions that have formed in the joint. Dogs with this condition have usually already suffered some degenerative joint issues, but surgery can slow or stop the progression. Complications are very rare and the arthrotomy procedure is widely successful to repair fragmented coronoid processes.

After Care:

Hospitalization:

- Your pet will need to stay overnight one night. You can schedule pick up during our regular business hours when you drop your pet off for surgery.

- When you get your pet home, place your pet in a cool/warm (season dependent), quiet and dark room. If you leave your pet alone, he/she will sleep and be comfortable. You can increase your pet’s anxiety by doting. Your pet will have adequate medication for pain so you need not worry about discomfort.

Medication:

- A transdermal pain patch will be sutured on to your pet and will provide pain relief for three days following surgery. On the fourth day after surgery, you may remove the patch by clipping the sutures with a nail clipper and peeling it off like a band-aid. Please dispose of the patch by flushing down the toilet.

- The transdermal pain patch used for pain relief can cause constipation. Dr. Dew will ask that you feed your pet a certain amount of tuna in oil (Starkist®, Chicken of the Sea®, etc.) for four days following surgery to prevent constipation. The tuna in oil is to be given in addition to your pet’s regular feedings.

- If your pet is not already on a joint supplement, Dr. Dew will send home a sample of Glycoflex®. Glycoflex® will supplement the cartilage and improve your pet’s joint health. Your pet may stay on Glycoflex® for the remainder of his/her life. The charge for a full bottle or bag of GlycoFlex® is NOT included in the surgery fee; this will be an additional charge to you.

- Your pet will also be sent home with a 14 day supply of Previcox®. Previcox is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that is used for the control of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in canines. Please follow the package instructions.

Food & Water:

- When you get your pet home, offer him/her a small amount of water. If your pet drinks it and does not vomit, then offer twice the original amount.

- Two hours later if no vomiting has occurred, offer ¼ of the amount of food in a normal meal. If your pet eats and no vomiting occurs in a 2-hour time period, then you may resume normal feeding(s).

- Please call Dr. Dew’s or your veterinarian’s office if your pet does not drink within the first 6 hours of being home or if vomiting occurs.

Rechecks:

- Your pet should be rechecked by Dr. Dew 10 – 14 days following surgery. Please call (866) 838-4282 to schedule this appointment.

Exercise Restriction:

- For 3 weeks following surgery, your pet will need to be restricted to leash activity only.

- Free running, rough playing or jumping on/off furniture or decks should not be allowed.

- If more than 1 or 2 stairs need to be negotiated on a regular basis, this should be done in a controlled fashion with your pet on a leash.

Physical Therapy:

- None needed at this time

- If your pet’s limb use is not improving or you notice a sudden decrease in limb use, please call Dr. Dew’s office immediately – (866) 838-4282.