Radiographic evaluation of the anconeal process in skeletally immature dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a secondary center of ossification (SCO) of the anconeal process is present in skeletally immature dogs that do not develop an ununited anconeal process (UAP).
STUDY DESIGN: Case series.
ANIMALS: Dogs 77-154 days of age with conditions other than developmental disease of the elbow (n=78 dogs; total elbows=100).
METHODS: Mediolateral radiographic projections of the elbow were reviewed for presence or absence of a SCO of the anconeal process.
RESULTS: A SCO was radiographically evident in 16% of elbows from breeds that have been reported to be affected by UAP. The appearance of the SCO was different to an UAP fragment. None of the elbows with SCO of the anconeal process developed UAP. A SCO was not present in any small breed dogs.
CONCLUSIONS: A SCO of the anconeal process is uncommon in medium and large breed dogs and the presence of a SCO does not indicate that UAP will develop.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because radiographic diagnosis of a SCO of the anconeal process and UAP lesions have distinct appearances, an earlier diagnosis of UAP is possible.