Humeral intracondylar fissures in French bulldogs.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: French bulldogs have previously been reported to be at an increased risk of developing humeral condylar fractures (HCF). Humeral intracondylar fissures (HIF) are thought to be a predisposing factor for HCF occurrence in skeletally mature dogs particularly when the fracture occurs during normal activity. We hypothesised that HIF may be a predisposing factor for HCF in French bulldogs. METHODS: A retrospective case series of nine French bulldogs that had sustained HCF and where CT was performed prior to surgery. RESULTS: Five of the fractured humeri had sclerosis adjacent to the fracture site. Six of the contralateral intact humeri were diagnosed with HIF on the basis of a partial (2/6) or complete (4/6) hypoattenuating area extending between the distal articular surface and the supratrochlear foramen in the sagittal plane, with adjacent sclerosis (6/6). CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of sclerosis at the intracondylar fracture surface on CT can prompt suspicion that HIF preceded HCF. A predisposing HIF has potentially great clinical significance for this breed if we draw parallels with breeds such as the springer spaniel for whom HIF and HIF-associated condylar fracture is well documented.