Comparing the clinical presentation of humeral condylar fractures, fissures and incomplete ossification across dog breeds

BACKGROUND: This study presents a retrospective review of dogs diagnosed with an intracondylar humeral deficiency (IHD) and presented to a single referral hospital. METHOD: Dogs diagnosed with humeral condylar fractures, humeral intracondylar fissures (HIFs) or incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) were identified, and their clinical records were evaluated for presenting signs, signalment, management and clinical progression. RESULTS: A total of 239 dogs were included; 192 were diagnosed with a fracture and 47 were diagnosed with IOHC/HIF. Springer Spaniels (25%) and French Bulldogs (25%) were over-represented. The median ages were 3.3 years for Springer Spaniels and 4 months for French Bulldogs. Ninety-five percent of French Bulldogs presented with a fracture, compared with 63% of Springer Spaniels. Most fractures were not associated with significant trauma. LIMITATIONS: Because of its design, this study describes a referred population of dogs and may not be representative of the general UK dog population. CONCLUSIONS: Most French Bulldogs present with condylar fractures while skeletally immature, which we hypothesise are caused by a breed-related or pathological delay in humeral condylar fusion relative to expected fusion times. In contrast, Spaniels mostly present as young to middle-aged adults with either a fracture or lameness attributable to IHD, suggesting physiological fusion followed by the acquisition of an IHD. If this is correct, prophylactic transcondylar screw placement in immature French Bulldogs may be unnecessary.