Idiopathic erosive polyarthritis in six dogs (description of the disease and treatment with bilateral pancarpal arthrodesis)

Summary

Six dogs with severe, deforming, idiopathic erosive polyarthritis (IEP) were treated with bilateral pancarpal arthrodesis using bone-plate stabilization. This type of arthropathy resembles those classified previously as canine rheumatoid arthritis and results in a progressive erosion of articular cartilage and instability of multiple joints, most notably the carpi, tarsi and digits. Arthrodesis was successful in all of the cases and resulted in a significant improvement in ambulation in all six dogs, even in the presence of continued compromise of phalangeal and tarsal joints.

Idiopathic erosive polyarthritis (IEP) is a disease of unknown pathogenesis that affects multiple joints of dogs, usually of the distal limbs, and causes a symmetrical, progressive lameness. Six dogs affected with IEP were treated with bilateral pancarpal arthrodesis, resulting in improved ambulatory ability and an adequate quality of life.

Keywords

Idiopathic erosive polyarthritis - rheumatoid arthritis - carpal arthrodesis

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