Ununited Anconeal Process – UAP

a condition of the elbow that is typically seen in dogs from 6 to 12 months of age and usually affects dogs of large to giant breeds.  

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. UAP occurs when one of the bones in the elbow does not fuse properly. 

The anconeal process is a bony protrusion in the elbow joint that should fuse to the end of the ulna by the time a dog is 5 months old. If the fusion does not occur, it is known as UAP. The anconeal process becomes a loose, bony fragment that ultimately causes damage to the joint and speeds the progression of degenerative joint disease in the affected elbow. The condition is likely caused by the uneven growth of the two lower leg bones, but can also be attributed to Osteochondrosis lesions in the joint (for more information, see Osteochondrosis Dissecans under orthopedic procedures). Surgical correction is the only method for repairing the joint and slowing or halting the progression of elbow dysplasia. 

Symptoms:

- Most often occurring in young German Shepherds, Basset Hounds and Saint Bernards  

- Symptoms include:  

- Lameness in involved limb  

- Possible swelling and tenderness around the elbow joint 

Procedure:

Surgical options for correcting UAP include the use of screws to permanently attach the anconeal process to the ulna, the removal of the anconeal process, and ulnar osteotomy, which relieves pressure on the UAP. Depending on the age and size of the dog, as well as the type of procedure that would provide the best prognosis for full recovery and prevent further development of degenerative joint disease, the surgical procedure will be chosen by the surgeon and pet owner to provide the best possible results. 

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. 

Rechecks: 

- Bandage removal and recheck examination in 7 days with Dr. Dew. Please call 479-964-4300 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.  

- For the first week, your pet should be walked in the yard on a leash 3-4 times daily. 

Physical Therapy: 

- Please keep bandage clean and dry. A plastic bag may be placed over the bandage temporarily if it is wet outdoors. 

- If the bandage slips or becomes soiled, please call your regular veterinarian. 

- Insert your fingers at the top and bottom of the bandage twice daily to check for swelling. If your pet reacts painfully or is constantly chewing at the bandage, please call. 

- The transdermal pain patch used for pain relief can cause constipation. Feed (1) can of tuna in oil daily for 4 days to prevent constipation. 

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

- 2 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 alimentation. 

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