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Elbow dysplasia

The dog's elbow is made up of three bones which must grow in a perfectly coordinated manner to fit together without play. When this growth goes wrong, the joint surfaces no longer coincide. The term “elbow dysplasia” brings together several...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

The dog's elbow is made up of three bones which must grow in a perfectly coordinated manner to fit together without play. When this growth goes wrong, the joint surfaces no longer coincide.

The term “elbow dysplasia” brings together several abnormalities in the development of this joint: a bone fragment that does not weld together, a small piece of cartilage and bone that comes loose, an area of cartilage that comes loose, or a discrepancy in length between the two bones of the forearm.

All lead to the same result: abnormal friction, pain and osteoarthritis which sets in early. It is the leading cause of front limb lameness in growing large breed dogs.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Lameness Pain Swelling Stiffness Difficulty standing up Refusing to jump or climb

Lameness of a front limb in a young dog, often between four and twelve months of age.

The lameness is more marked after rest and when starting, then eases a little after warming up.

It gets worse after strenuous exercise or a long walk.

The dog can move the elbow away from the body or, on the contrary, tighten it, and turn the foot outwards.

Stiffness of the limb, shortened stride.

When both elbows are affected, there is no clear lameness: the dog gets up slowly, refuses to play, tires quickly and his gait simply seems "heavy".

In adults, the pain becomes chronic with swelling of the elbow and loss of mobility.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

The origin is an anomaly in the development of the joint during growth, on a hereditary basis. Several genes are involved, which explains why the severity varies greatly from one dog to another within the same litter.

Too rapid growth favored by a diet too rich in energy or unbalanced in minerals aggravates the phenomenon.

Excessive stress on the joint during growth also plays a role: intense exercise, repeated jumping, slippery floors.

Trauma is not the cause of the disease, but it can reveal an already abnormal joint.

Large and very large breeds, in which the disease is significantly more common.

Affected parents or brothers and sisters: the predisposition is familial.

Growth accelerated by an excessively abundant ration or by a food unsuitable for large puppies.

Excess calcium intake in growing puppies.

Overweight during growth.

Intense and repeated exercise in puppies: long runs, jumps, pulling games.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian observes walking and trotting, then palpates and mobilizes the elbow looking for pain, effusion, and limitation of movement.

X-rays of both elbows are taken, under sedation to obtain precise positions. They show the signs of osteoarthritis and sometimes the fragment in question, but they can be of little use at the start of the disease.

A CT scan is the most effective test for visualizing lesions and planning an intervention; it is often offered when x-rays are not enough.

An arthroscopy allows you to look directly inside the joint and treat the lesion at the same time.

Both elbows are always examined, because the involvement is frequently bilateral even if the dog only limps on one side.

Treatment

Management depends on the type of lesion, the age of the dog and the osteoarthritis already present.

Surgery, most often by arthroscopy, removes a free fragment or detached cartilage, and makes the joint less painful. Some forms involve interventions on the bones of the forearm to correct growth lag.

Medical treatment is essential in all cases and becomes the basis in adult dogs with osteoarthritis: strict weight control, regular and moderate rather than intense activity, painkillers and anti-inflammatories prescribed by the veterinarian during flare-ups.

Physiotherapy and water work help maintain the muscles without overloading the joint.

Joint supplements and certain specific foods are sometimes offered as accompaniments, without replacing the rest.

Never give your dog a human anti-inflammatory: ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol can cause stomach ulcers, digestive bleeding and serious kidney or liver damage, sometimes fatal.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Choose a puppy from screened parents: Elbow is the subject of official radiographic screening in at-risk breeds, and affected dogs should not be bred.

Feed a large breed puppy a food designed for them, in controlled quantities, to avoid too rapid growth.

Never add a calcium supplement to a complete food.

Keep the puppy slim throughout its growth.

Avoid intense efforts in young dogs: long runs next to a bicycle, repeated jumps, repeated going up and down stairs.

Consult at the first lameness of a front limb in a large breed puppy.

Possible complications

Osteoarthritis of the elbow, constant over time and often disabling: this is the main consequence of the disease.

Muscle wasting of the affected limb.

Load transfer to other limbs, which can cause remote pain.

Chronic pain affecting behavior: dog less playful, irritable, who withdraws.

Reduced activity and weight gain, which further aggravate the joint.

When to see a veterinarian

Your large breed puppy limps in one front limb, even intermittently.

Lameness is present upon waking or after a nap.

He gets tired quickly, refuses to play or drags on walks.

His elbow is swollen, hot or painful when handled.

He growls or withdraws when his front limb is touched.

Any lameness that persists for more than a few days in a growing dog warrants a consultation, as treatment options are much better before osteoarthritis sets in.

Prognosis

The disease cannot be cured: the joint remains imperfect and osteoarthritis progresses with age.

Early treatment, surgery when indicated and above all a controlled weight allow many dogs to lead an active and comfortable life for years.

Dogs diagnosed late, with osteoarthritis already established, maintain chronic discomfort which requires lifelong support.

Frequently asked questions

My puppy has been limping on one front leg for a few days, should we wait?

No. In a large breed puppy, persistent front limb lameness warrants rapid examination. The earlier the lesion is treated, the less osteoarthritis sets in.

Does surgery cure the disease?

It removes what is hurting the joint and significantly reduces the pain, but it does not return the elbow to normal. Osteoarthritis continues to progress; weight monitoring and appropriate activity remain necessary throughout life.

Is it hereditary? Can I breed my dog?

The disease has a hereditary basis. An affected dog should not be bred. In breeds at risk, radiographic screening of the elbows exists and should be requested from breeders.

Should we stop all activity?

No, inactivity melts the muscles that protect the joint. We replace violent efforts with regular and moderate walks, on soft ground, with the agreement of the veterinarian.