Objectives

To evaluate the high incidence of unicondylar humeral fractures diagnosed in French Bulldogs presenting to a referral practice.

Methods

A retrospective review of unicondylar fractures treated by the practice between 2008 and 2011.

Results

Twenty-one unicondylar humeral fractures were recorded in 19 dogs. Eight unicondylar humeral fracture-affected dogs (42%) were French Bulldogs. Three of these Bulldogs developed a unicondylar humeral fracture in the contralateral elbow within eight months after the initial injury. Out of the non-French Bulldogs dogs, three developed a similar fracture in the contralateral elbow; all of them were Brittany Spaniels. French Bulldogs sustaining unicondylar humeral fractures had median and mean ages of 46 and 44 weeks, respectively (range 13 to 246 weeks), whilst the other dogs sustaining similar fractures had median and mean ages of 161 and 158 weeks (range 12 to 470 weeks) (P < 0.05). Where recorded, injury was associated with a short fall or jump in 14 of 19 dogs. Radiographic and/or surgical signs of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle were seen in all of the dogs who sustained bilateral injuries. The complication rate was similar for both types of breeds and was typically low. Upon analysis of the practice database, unicondylar humeral fracture was a reason for presentation in 8 of 314 French Bulldogs (2.55%), but only 11 of 6801 other breed dogs (0.16%), registered during the study period (P < 0.05).

Clinical Significance

French Bulldogs present relatively commonly with unicondylar humeral fractures, with or without concurrent signs of incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC). Hence, this breed should be regarded as a breed at risk for this type of fracture and may be suitable for prophylactic surgery for treatment of IOHC whenever this disease process is detected.