Healthy dogs are active, athletic beings that do not like much downtime. They love to run and play, which makes them so popular as pets. Sometimes, dogs develop joint problems, such as elbow dysplasia, that affect their movement and quality of life as time goes on. In fact, elbow dysplasia is the most common cause of canine forelimb lameness.
Therefore, it is important to understand what elbow dysplasia is, how to identify its development, and how to manage it so you can ensure comfort and happiness for your dog should they develop the condition at some point.
What Is Elbow Dysplasia?
The elbow joint is made up of three bones: the humerus, ulna, and radius, which work together to allow joint movement. Elbow dysplasia is a condition in which the joints at the elbow do not fit together properly due to development abnormalities.
There are multiple clinical manifestations of elbow dysplasia, based on the specific disease present in the elbow joint. These are:
- Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process (FCP): Microscopic fractures occur in the coronoid process of the ulna causing pain and lameness and leading to the entire or part of the process separating from the remaining bone.
- Elbow Incongruity: The elbow joint surfaces present bad alignment, which results in irritation and cartilage wear.
- Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP): As a consequence of abnormal development of the elbow leads to the ulna’s anconeal process not fusing properly.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Condyle (OCD): An area of cartilage on the humeral condyle, on the bottom of the humerus, develops abnormally and lifts off creating a flap.
Unfortunately, elbow dysplasia is common among many breeds, especially large ones, but any dog can develop it. The condition is inherited from either or both parents and can be passed down through generations. As a dog grows, the elbow joint abnormalities worsen and can result in pain, the inability to get around easily, and even complete lameness in severe cases.
This health condition is most prevalent in medium and large-sized dogs, but even small dogs can be affected. Understanding the history of a puppy’s parents and their bloodlines can offer clues as to whether a pup may develop elbow dysplasia when they get older.
However, there is no way to know for sure whether a dog will suffer from the condition until it starts to develop.
How to Identify Elbow Dysplasia
To verify whether a dog has elbow dysplasia, a veterinarian must evaluate and diagnose the dog. Typically dogs will start to show signs of the disease at an early age, approximately from 5 months of age onwards. There are a few signs you can look for that may indicate the development of this health condition.
- Stiffness or lameness in one or both legs, especially after exercise
- Asymmetric gait
- A hesitancy to walk, run, or play
- Elbows and/or paws display at an awkward angle
- Head bobbing while walking
- Limited range of motion
- Difficulty laying down and getting back up
- Swelling of the affected joint
If any signs of elbow dysplasia are noticed, it is important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for evaluation and diagnosis. They will do this through physical and lameness exams, radiographs, and sometimes a CT scan, an MRI, and arthroscopy. The earlier elbow dysplasia is diagnosed, the better the condition can be managed.
How to Manage Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia can’t be cured because it is not possible to reverse the abnormal development and make the joint normal again. However, the condition can be managed effectively with close collaboration with your vet. Management of elbow dysplasia depends on the specific disease that is causing it and the severity of the condition overall.
It is essential to follow your veterinarian’s guidance and seek referral to a veterinary orthopedic specialist if your primary vet recommends so. Oftentimes, but not always, surgery is necessary and will considerably improve the chances of success. Surgery may involve the use of instruments to clean the joint surfaces for better support and more range of movement. Along with surgery or when surgery is not recommended, there are several management options to consider.
- Pain Management: This can include the use of anti-inflammatory medication or other types of analgesics.
- Physical Therapy: This may include hydrotherapy, land exercise, and stretch training.
- Non-prescription medication: This could consist of omega-3- fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and other ingredients that help improve joint health.
The type of treatment that your dog needs depends on many factors, including the severity of their condition, their signs, level of pain, breed, age, and lineage. Your veterinarian can help you create an effective treatment plan for both short-term and long-term relief.
Final Thoughts
Elbow dysplasia is a serious condition that should not go overlooked. If left unchecked and untreated, the condition could result in complete lameness and very poor quality of life.
Catching the problem as early as possible, means it can be addressed promptly and decrease the chances of your dog developing long-term serious consequences that severely affect their quality of life.
Featured Image Credit: shelma25, Pixabay
