Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia Elbow Dysplasia is a developmental degenerative joint disease. This condition is the result of one or multiple disorder(s) (ununited anconeal process, fragmented medial coronoid process, or osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle). These disorders can either be genetic or environmentally initiated. The exact cause of elbow dysplasia is unknown, but it is probably due to a combination of genetic factors, over-nutrition with rapid growth, trauma and hormonal factors. As is the case with other developmental bone disorders, (such as hip dysplasia) elbow dysplasia is most often found in large dog breeds.
Affected dog usually begin to show lameness at about six to seven months of age. Indications of pain can range from mild limping when trotting, altered stance (holds elbow(s) outward from chest), enlargement of the elbow joint, and unable to bear weigh on the affected leg. Rest and pain relievers can occasionally help to lessen the symptoms. X-rays will be necessary for diagnosis and evaluation as to the severity of the condition. Proper evaluation of this region requires the elbow be positioned in extreme flexion and good radiographic technique be used. If a specific etiology is sought additional views are suggested.
Diagnostic tests needed to recognize elbow dysplasia, and identify or exclude
other diseases, include:
A complete medical history and physical examination. Your veterinarian will walk and trot your dog, looking for front leg lameness. The lameness may be present in both front legs, producing a stiff gait and shortened stride. Pain may be produced on elbow flexion, with or without inward rotation of the paw or elbow extension.
Radiographs of the elbow should be taken, with several different views in order to identify even subtle abnormalities. Occasionally CT scans are needed for diagnosis. Both elbows should be examined as the problem often affects both right and left elbow joints.
Abnormal findings are reported only to the owner of record and referring veterinarian.
Abnormal elbows are reported as:
All
breeding stock (of breeds prone to elbow dysplasia) should be certified free of
elbow dysplasia prior to breeding.
Elbow
dysplasia results in elbow arthritis which may be associated
with joint stiffness (reduced range of motion) and lameness.
What to Watch For
A sudden or gradual onset front leg lameness
Morning stiffness
Stiffness after a period of rest
Surgical correction is most successful in cases of mild deterioration. Dogs that have been surgically corrected should never be used for breeding. If you suspect that your dog is in pain or is exhibiting an unusual gait - it is advisable that you see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
The exact cause of elbow dysplasia
remains unknown, but it is almost certainly multifactorial, meaning that the
abnormal development of your dog’s elbow joint occurs because of a combination
of genetic, growth rate, nutritional, hormonal and traumatic factors. Of these
contributing factors, genetics and nutrition are probably the easiest to
consider in terms of prevention of elbow dysplasia. When selecting a pedigree
breed known to have a predisposition for elbow dysplasia, it would be helpful to
know whether the parents had evidence of elbow dysplasia, or not. Clearly, it is
preferable to purchase a puppy where the sire and the dam have been found to
have certified, normal elbows.