The severe arthritis that accompanies this disease often affects the inside (medial) aspect of the joint; this is termed medial compartment disease (MCD). One surgical treatment for MCD that is often used at Texas A&M is "cleaning out" of the affected joint with a small video-assisted surgical tool called an arthroscope followed by a procedure called the Proximal Abducting Ulnar Osteotomy (PAUL). While the arthroscopy helps to remove damaged tissues, PAUL then shifts the weight bearing axis from the damaged medial compartment toward the minimally affected lateral compartment (outside of the elbow).
Although we commonly use this combination of procedures, there is little long-term scientific follow-up to document the effect on limb use and limb alignment. The purpose of this study is to assess alterations in limb use and limb alignment before and after arthroscopy and PAUL up to 1 year after surgery.
Study Group Eligibility:
- Labrador Retrievers 15 months of age or older and of good health
- Dogs previously diagnosed with elbow dysplasia and MCD
- Dogs weighing at least 50 pounds
- Dogs with no history of fractures (broken bones), or other traumatic injuries to the forelimbs
Exclusion:
- Obesity
- Dogs that are front or back leg amputees
Financial Obligations:
The owner is responsible for costs associated with the assessment, diagnosis, and/or surgical treatment of the pet (arthroscopy and PAUL). The owner is not responsible for the costs of the 3-, 6-, and 12-month recheck visits. The owner will receive a financial inventive at the time of surgery (discount at surgical visit) as well as an additional incentive upon completion of the study.
