Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is an inherited disorder that commonly occurs in large-breed dogs less than 1 year of age.

Overview

Elbow dysplasia (ED) is a term that describes the poor development of the elbow joint. It is an inherited disorder that predominantly affects large and giant breed dogs. Problems are usually observed in dogs less than 1 year of age, particularly between 4-10 months of age.

ED can be separated into different conditions:

Ununited anconeal process (UAP)
Fragmented coronoid process (FCP)
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial humeral condyle
Incongruities of the elbow joint (INC)

Dog breeds commonly affected by elbow dysplasia include:

Golden Retriever
German Shepherd
Bernese Mountain Dog
Rottweiler
Labrador Retriever

Breakdown of breeds at risk of ED conditions:

Ununited anconeal process (UAP)	German Shepherds, Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, St Bernards, and Great Danes
Fragmented coronoid process (FCP)	Labradors, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rottweilers, German Shepherds
Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial humeral condyle	Retrievers and Newfoundlanders
Incongruities of the elbow joint (INC)	Bernese Mountain Dogs and chondrodystrophic breeds

The problem usually occurs in both elbows in 30-70% of cases and causes pain and lameness.

Signs

Common signs of elbow dysplasia include:

Lameness
Abnormal gait between ages 6-9 months
Elbows positioned outwards or tucked in
Feet pointed outwards
Stiffness
Exercise intolerance

Causes

Predispositions to elbow dysplasia include:

Genetics
Trauma
Rapid growth
Defects in cartilage growth
Hormonal imbalances
Excessive nutrition

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on physical examination and radiographs, with potential referrals for advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRI, or arthroscopy for a more detailed assessment.

Management

Management depends on the specific findings from diagnostic imaging. Treatment often involves surgery aimed at relieving pain, maintaining limb function, and reducing the risk of arthritis. Recent advancements in minimally invasive techniques have improved outcomes for many dogs.

Ununited anconeal process (UAP)

Surgery to remove or re-attach the UAP

Fragmented coronoid process (FCP)

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the medial humeral condyle

Surgical removal of any cartilage flaps and fractured bone debris.

Incongruities of the elbow joint (INC)

Surgical removal of the fragmented coronoid process and the insertion of an external fixator.

Post-surgery home care may include:

Strict rest following surgery
Pain management
Weight control to reduce stress on the joints
Long-term management strategies to help reduce arthritis

Always follow strict instructions from your veterinarian. Exercise restrictions and confinement may vary from 2-6 weeks post-surgery, depending on the procedure performed.

Prognosis

The success rate for surgical cases in young dogs can be as high as 78%, whereas conservative treatment for FCP has a success rate of only about 33% (e.g., low body weight, controlled activity). Early intervention and appropriate management can significantly improve outcomes.

Prevention

Tips to help prevent elbow dysplasia include:

Always ask for a full medical history from the breed line before purchase
Never breed a dog with elbow dysplasia
Ensure appropriate nutrition and controlled growth during puppyhood
Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor joint health

References

Busato A, Lang J, (1997, IEWG Birmingham (UK), p 11.

Matis U (1992), Proceedings 6th annual congress ESVOT, Roma (Italy), pp 16.

Read RA et al (1997), IEWG pp 7-8.

Roy RG , (1979),A retrospective long-term evaluation of ununited anconeal process excision on the canine elbow. Vet.Comp.Orthop.Traumat. 7:94-97

Sjöström L et al (1995) Vet.Comp. Orthop. Traumat. 8:170-176.

Swenson L, et al(1997 JAVMA 210, 215-221

Voorhout G, Hazewinkel HAW, (1987), Vet. Radiol. 5, 158-165.

Piermattei D, Greely RG, (1979), An atlas of surgical approaches to the bones of the dog and cat. Philadelphia, USA, WB Saunders Comp.