Health Report Final - Flipbook - Page 46
Forelegs - cont…
Humeral intercondylar fissures, Incomplete Ossification of the Humeral Condyle (IOHC) and Elbow Y Fractures
IOHC is a condi on in which there is a weakness in the humeral condyle where the two
halves of the elbow should join as the dog grows but does not completely fuse, leaving a
weakness between the two halves.
It is most commonly seen in spaniels and French bulldogs.
This condi on commonly predisposes the dog to fractures of the elbow and can also cause
lameness in its own right without fracture.
HIF is now thought to be a condi on caused by joint incongruence (where the joint doesn’t
fit well together) leading to excess of pressure on the condyle which can lead to a fissure
or hairline fracture forming which can proceed into a condylar or Y fracture forming usual‐
ly while performing normal tasks such as exi ng a vehicle.
There may be a gene c basis to IOHC/HIF, but as yet, this has not been determined.
Currently CT scans are the only way to iden fy IOHC/HIF. A typical elbow x-ray including
for elbow scoring is unlikely to pick up IOHC/HIF.
A number of cases of Clumbers suffering from elbow breaks have been noted with around
38 being reported so far to have confirmed or suspected IOHC or HIF a er fracturing one
or both elbows. Of the 277 dogs in the WCSS health survey 8 had been diagnosed with
elbow fractures. 2 dogs had been diagnosed with IOHC and 6 with HIF (one without
fracturing)
Recommenda ons
40
1)
Con nue to monitor and report incidence of fractured elbows – confirmed
or suspected of IOHC or HIF.
2)
If dogs have been tested with Embark this can be added to their profile to
help Embark to monitor DNA on these dogs. DNA can also be submi ed to
the Kennel Club gene cs centre to be held for tes ng later should this be
needed. These tests are free to submit and can be requested from the
WCSS Health Advisory Panel with the hope to find a gene in the future.
3)
No dog that has suffered from IOHC or HIF should con nue to be bred from
due to concerns regarding gene c predisposi on.
4)
Owners of dogs with a parent affected by IOHC/HIF should discuss with
their vet whether a scan is appropriate.
