Specific Elbow Dysplasia conditions

These include:

• Osteochondrosis or osteochondritis dissecans (OC or OCD)
• Fragmented coronoid process (FCP)
• Ununited anconeal process (UAP)
• Incongruity (INC)

These conditions often begin when a puppy is only a few months of age and will commonly affect both elbow joints. More than one of these conditions can exist simultaneously. Unfortunately, elbow dysplasia will commonly lead to abnormal joint cartilage wear and osteoarthritis; these changes can have long term consequences.

Which breeds are affected?

Elbow Dysplasia affects many different breeds. It is a multifactorial disease, which means that numerous factors influence its occurrence. Genetics plays an important role, although the precise genetic basis of Elbow Dysplasia remains undetermined. Other factors that are thought to influence the disease include growth rate, diet, and level of activity.

What are the signs?

Not all dogs with Elbow Dysplasia will show obvious signs of lameness. This may be because the condition is mild or because similar changes exist in both elbows, which may mask the lameness. Dogs that are affected with Elbow Dysplasia commonly show stiffness or lameness from 5 or 6 months of age. Owners will typically describe that their dog is stiff after rest and after exercise, but improves with light activity. Others will observe that their dog’s front feet begin to turn out, which is thought to be an adaptation to elbow pain and the dog’s way of relieving it.

Examination and treatment options

A detailed orthopaedic examination will usually be able to determine that the elbow joint is painful or swollen, although in the early-stage, lameness may be difficult to localise to a particular joint. Confirmation of the presence of Elbow Dysplasia is made by performing further investigations, including radiographic or CT examinations.

Elbow Dysplasia is a broad term encompassing numerous individual conditions which may occur singly or together and may be present with variable severity; this makes generalisations about treatment difficult. Any treatment should be tailored to the individual dog considering their specific type of Elbow Dysplasia, its severity and their age and breed. Decision making is improved by collecting as much information about the dog as possible.

Not every dog with Elbow Dysplasia requires surgery and some can be well managed with medication, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. Arthroscopy (key-hole surgery) can be useful in certain patients, providing a minimally invasive method of assessing and treating the condition. It offers excellent visualisation of the joint and faster recovery times and improved results when compared to traditional open (non-keyhole) surgery. In some cases, more complex surgery may be recommended.

Older dogs with Elbow Dysplasia and significant osteoarthritis are usually managed without surgery.

If you have any questions about surgery, then please get in touch.

You can view our Elbow Dysplasia surgery prices on our Prices and Payment page here.