While the fragments of the coronoid process cannot readily be seen on x-ray, the coronoid process will be missing. Arthritis is often present, and can be mild to severe. The objectives of therapy are to relieve pain and maintain limb function, as well as to continue the dog at as normal an activity level activity level as possible. Surgical removal of the fragments is recommended before the development of severe arthritis occurs. Unfortunately, this disease is progressive, improvement is expected, but not normality .
Medical therapy consists of weight control, moderate exercise and antiinflammatory medications.
Each case is evaluated for the degree of discomfort and arthritic change before a final treatment choice is elected. All immature dogs with fragmentation of the coronoid, OCD, or an ununited anconeal process are surgical candidates. Dogs with mild to moderate incongruity and minimal arthritis have the best prognosis. Even dogs with marked incongruity and large lesions benefit from surgery due to the decrease in pain. Dogs that have a combination of an ununited anconeal process and a fragmented coronoid have a poor prognosis.