Traumatic elbow luxation in 14 dogs and 11 cats.

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.