Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is a complex developmental condition encompassing several abnormalities of the elbow joint, including fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), ununited anconeal process (UAP), and elbow incongruity. It is the most common cause of forelimb lameness in young large-breed dogs.
Symptoms & Signs
- Forelimb lameness that worsens with exercise
- Stiffness after rest
- Reduced range of motion in the elbow
- Outward rotation of the paw
- Swelling around the elbow joint
- Reluctance to extend the elbow fully
Causes & Risk Factors
Elbow dysplasia is a polygenic inherited condition exacerbated by rapid growth, nutritional imbalances, and excessive exercise during development. The underlying pathology involves abnormal development of the three bones forming the elbow joint (radius, ulna, humerus), leading to incongruent joint surfaces.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis requires radiographic evaluation of the elbow joint from multiple angles. CT scanning provides superior detail for surgical planning. Arthroscopy serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Treatment
Surgical intervention (arthroscopy to remove fragments, corrective osteotomy for incongruity) combined with lifelong management including weight control, controlled exercise, anti-inflammatory therapy, and joint supplements.
Prevention
Breeding only from elbow-scored parents, controlled growth rates in large-breed puppies, appropriate nutrition, and avoiding excessive exercise during skeletal development.
Prognosis
Early surgical intervention provides the best outcomes. Most dogs develop some degree of osteoarthritis regardless of treatment, but quality of life can be maintained with appropriate management.
Affected Breeds (29)
| Breed | Species | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Cattle Dog | Dog | Medium |
| Australian Shepherd | Dog | Medium |
| Basset Hound | Dog | Large |
| Belgian Malinois | Dog | Large |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Dog | Giant |
| Bloodhound | Dog | Large |
| Bullmastiff | Dog | Giant |
| Cane Corso | Dog | Giant |
| Chow Chow | Dog | Medium |
| English Mastiff | Dog | Giant |
| English Setter | Dog | Medium |
| English Springer Spaniel | Dog | Medium |
| Finnish Lapphund | Dog | Medium |
| German Shepherd | Dog | Large |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Dog | Large |
| Golden Retriever | Dog | Large |
| Great Pyrenees | Dog | Giant |
| Irish Water Spaniel | Dog | Large |
| Labrador Retriever | Dog | Large |
| Newfoundland | Dog | Giant |
| Pharaoh Hound | Dog | Medium |
| Pug | Dog | Small |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | Dog | Large |
| Rottweiler | Dog | Large |
| Saint Bernard | Dog | Giant |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Dog | Medium |
| Tibetan Mastiff | Dog | Giant |
| Welsh Springer Spaniel | Dog | Medium |
| Wirehaired Pointing Griffon | Dog | Medium |