Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow Dysplasia is a general term used to identify an inherited polygenic disease in the elbow of dogs. Three specific types make up this disease and they can occur independently or in conjunction with one another. These types include:

1. Fragmented medial coronoid of the ulna

2. Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle in the elbow joint

3. Ununited anconeal process

Studies have shown the inherited polygenic traits causing these types of Dysplasia are independent of one another. The most common type is fragmented medial coronoid of the ulna.

No one can predict what age lameness will occur in a dog due to a large number of genetic and environmental factors such as degree of severity of changes, rate of weight gain, amount of exercise, etc. Affected dogs are frequently lame or have an abnormal gait. 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. Range of motion in the elbow is also decreased .

The only way to know for sure if your dog has elbow Dysplasia is through x-rays. X-rays will provide an accurate diagnosis and evaluate the severity of the condition. All breeding stock (of breeds prone to elbow Dysplasia) should be certified free of elbow Dysplasia by OFA prior to breeding. OFA has an open database where you can check if the dog has passed OFA for elbows and hips simply by entering it's kennel name. Many breeders who do not x-ray their stock for elbow Dysplasia are using the excuse that they do not want to put their dogs under anesthesia (some claim because of age, danger, etc.). It is a known fact that you do not have to anesthetize a dog to x-ray its elbows. The only thing required is that your dog lay on his/her side on the examining table. There is no manipulation of the elbow area (unlike when they x-ray hips). If you are able to walk your dog in a vet's office, then you should be able to x-ray without anesthesia. If a breeder cannot do this with their dog, please re-consider purchasing from this person as this is an indication of an unstable dog with a poor temperament and this dog should not be bred in the first place. Temperament is genetic and odds are its puppies will have the same temperament problems.

Surgical correction is most successful in cases of mild deterioration. Dogs that have been confirmed to have elbow Dysplasia and those which have been surgically corrected should never be used for breeding.

Canine Elbow Dysplasia

Canine Elbow Dysplasia by Ann L. Reed, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVR.
Elbow Dysplasia - Parts 1 and 2 by Dr. Henry De Boer Jr., a national Schutzhund competitor and trainer and practitioner at his Pioneer Valley Veterinary Hospital in Western Massachusetts.
OFA Elbow Registry summarizes definition, diagnosis and prevalence
Elbow Disease in Growing Dogs by Roger Lavelle, University of Melbourne
OFA without Anesthesia - vets who have OFA'd large breed dogs without Anesthesia

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