Traumatic elbow luxation in 14 dogs and 11 cats
1Queensland Veterinary Specialists, Stafford Heights, Queensland, 4053. katmitchell@iinet.net.au
Objective:
To report the presentation and treatment of traumatic elbow luxation and to evaluate success following closed or open reduction.
Design:
Retrospective case series conducted between April 1999 and April 2009.
Methods:
Records of 14 dogs and 11 cats were reviewed for signalment, history, radiographic findings and treatment; 14 owners were contacted via phone questionnaire to assess for limb function following treatment. Fisher's two-tailed P test was used to evaluate potential risk factors for lameness.
Results:
The majority of luxations were caused by car accident and 96% of the cases luxated in a lateral direction. Closed reduction was successful in all cats and 11 dogs; 3 dogs required open reduction. Owners rated the animals' limb function as excellent (71%), good (7%), fair (22%) or poor (0%). All cats were rated excellent. An excellent result following closed reduction was achieved in 67% of canine cases. All cases of open reduction achieved fair results. All owners were satisfied with the outcome. No risk factors were significantly associated with post-reduction lameness.
Conclusions:
Elbow joints with good stability following closed reduction have a favourable outcome. Poor stability following closed reduction is an indication for surgery. Results suggest that cats tolerate elbow luxation better than dogs.
