ELBOW DYSPLASIA

WHAT IS ELBOW DYSPLASIA?

Elbow dysplasia is most commonly one or more developmental degenerative joint diseases (though elbow dysplasia can also arise because of environmental conditions) that primarily affects medium and large breed dogs.  Elbow dysplasia refers to abnormal development of the elbow joint.  Elbow dysplasia effects one or both front legs.

There are several conditions that are referred to as elbow dysplasia. They include:

• Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP) or Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP) - The coronoid and anconeal processes are small bones which fuse with the main part of the ulna as a puppy matures. (The ulna and the radius are the two bones which make up the front leg between wrist and elbow). These terms describe the condition where those processes either break off from the ulna, or fail to fuse normally.
• Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) - Occurs when a fragment of cartilage peels away from the bone, within the joint.
• Incongruent Elbow - Bones of the elbow joint grow at different rates so do not fit together properly.

All the conditions produce loose pieces of bone and/or cartilage within the joint.  These act as irritants and lead to arthritis.  The longer the conditions persist untreated, the worse the arthritis becomes.

SYMPTOMS OF ELBOW DYSPLASIA

Dogs with elbow dysplasia typically begin showing lameness at about 5-9 months of age.  Symptoms include:

• Difficulty walking and/or climbing
• Limping
• Reduced appetite
• Lagging behind on walks
• Intermittent lameness
• Altered their gait and stance - holding elbows out or in from chest, paddling when walking
• Slow or stiff movements on waking, getting up, or in cold weather
• Decreased activity, especially play
• Inability to stand on affected leg
• Hopping with hind legs, rather than running normally
• Swollen joints that feel warm when touched
• Licking or chewing a joint
• Yelping in pain when touched
• Personality changes -i.e. aggressiveness when touched
• Resting more than usual
• Muscle atrophy

Some dogs display no symptoms even though they have problems.

Rest and pain relievers can occasionally help to lessen the symptoms but will not alter the course of the damage to joints.

WHAT CAUSES ELBOW DYSPLASIA?

The most common cause of elbow dysplasia is genetics.  Dogs with dysplasia should never be bred.  Sometimes elbow dysplasia occurs as a result of traumatic injury.

WHAT TO DO WITH A PUPPY OR ADULT DOG THAT IS PRONE ELBOW DYSPLASIA

Before purchasing a puppy, of one of the breeds that are prone to elbow dysplasia, have it x-rayed and thoroughly examined. Ask the breeder whether the parent dogs have been checked for elbow dysplasia.

If you observe any of the symptoms bring your dog in for immediate examination and treatment.

NON SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Very young animals may benefit from strict rest and external support of the joint.  However, because of the complications caused by secondary osteoarthritis, it is usually considered best to perform surgery early.

SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Surgery is most successful when there is little or no evidence of osteoarthrosis in the joint. Repair of the joint and removal of bone or cartilage fragments result in an excellent prognosis.