Medial coronoid process disease (MCPD) is the major cause of elbow dysplasia and front limb lameness in medium to large dog breeds. The disease is most often diagnosed when forelimb lameness is persistent and not controlled by anti-inflammatory drugs.Unfortunately, by this time, degenerative joint disease has already been established and surgical treatment will not prevent its progression entirely. Both the owner and the veterinarian may overlook initial signs of joint pain in puppies because of their hyperactive nature. Furthermore, elbow dysplasia typically affects both elbows and therefore, clinical signs may be very subtle. The first radiographic signs of elbow dysplasia are often missed by the general practitioner, which delays the diagnosis.When a definitive diagnosis of elbow dysplasia is finally made, the surgeon can improve elbow function, but cannot entirely prevent the progression of osteoarthrosis. According to A. Wind (1986) and to our experience too, joint incongruity commonly co-exists with MCPD; removal of loose osteo-cartilaginous bodies and regional debridement is often not rewarding if joint incongruity persists. In such instances, overloading and subchondral bone exposure with erosion of the cartilage of the medial humeral condyle and medial coronoid process often lead to medial compartment disease (MCD) and progression of OA. Later in life the degenerative joint disease may become severe and debilitating and result in a very poor quality of life.
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