Understanding Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs - Family - Pets

If you have a large breed puppy, your canine companion is a member of one of the "at risk" groups for developing elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia consists of different degrees of elbow incongruity, bony fragments, and severe arthritic change. This condition is an inherited disease. The symptoms can range from a slight, occasional lameness in some affected dogs all the way to a severe, crippling disease in others.

Here are some of the breeds most severely affected:* Bernese Mountain Dog* German Shepherd* Rottweiler* Golden and Labrador Retrievers

Other breeds less affected are the: * Newfoundland* Saint Bernard* Mastiff* Springer Spaniel* Australian Shepherd * Chow Chow* Shar-Pei* Shetland Sheepdog* and some Terrier breeds

To understand elbow dysplasia we first must understand how the bones in a newborn puppy work. They are not just one piece of bone, but several different pieces of bone with cartilage in between. This holds true specifically when dealing with the long bones of the limbs. As the puppy grows, the cartilage changes into bone, and all those little pieces of bone fuse together to form one entire bone. Here's one example... the ulna, a bone in the forearm, starts out as 4 pieces of bone that eventually fuse into one.

The elbow of the dog is similar to ours anatomically but it rests closer to the chest wall than it does in humans. In the normal dog, all of the surfaces that rub or articulate against each other are covered with cartilage and are perfectly smooth. They are constantly lubricated by the joint fluid that is contained by the capsule that surrounds the joint. In a dog with elbow dysplasia, joint fluid enters through fractures and cracks in the cartilage and causes pain for the dog. The fragments are a constant irritant which cause the pain to strengthen over time.

Symptoms of elbow dysplasiaThe first thing to look for if you suspect your dog has elbow dysplasia is an obvious limp. He may hold his leg out from his body while walking, or try to walk without putting any weight one of his front legs. You may see signs of this as early as four months of age. Many affected animals will show the worst signs during a period between six and about twelve months old. After that time frame, many will show some signs occasionally, but they will not be as severe. As these dogs continue to get older, you may see permanent arthritic changes occurring in the joint. Since this will cause many obvious problems, elbow dysplasia is a lifelong predicament.

Diagnosis of elbow dysplasiaThere are other conditions besides elbow dysplasia that can affect the front leg of a young dog that will mimic the signs of elbow dysplasia very closely so it's important to get an accurate diagnosis. It's recommended to have a vet take x-rays of the elbow to verify the diagnosis. An x-ray will reveal the incongruity of the joint.

Treatment of elbow dysplasiaTreatment of elbow dysplasia varies depending on the distinct abnormalities that are seen in an x-ray. Two conditions often found in elbow dysplasia, fragmented coronoid process and osteochondrosis, are often treated medically, without surgery. The young dog is placed on a regular, low-impact, exercise program many times including hydrotherapy; the pup's weight is managed carefully; and medications are given to decrease pain and inflammation. Depending on the severity of the condition, your vet may want to perform surgery to remove the fragmented process or cartilage flap. While the traditional medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), natural vitamin supplements are becoming more and more popular for pet owners who don't want to take the risks involved with NSAIDS, such as liver failure. The ingredient, CM8 (cetyl myristoleate), found in the pet arthritis supplement FlexPet, has been clinically proven to act as a lubric ant in joints, muscles and other tissues, allowing them to move more smoothly. In addition it is an immune system modulator. CM8 delivers special nutrients and herbs to the joints, bones, and surrounding tissue. It alleviates pain, boosts immunity, strengthens the skeletal system, removes harmful toxins and promotes general health and well being.

With the proper treatment and long-term joint care regimen, the lameness will, for the most part, become less severe and some dogs will function very well after about 18 months. Although, in the long run, it's important to know that arthritis will typically occur as the dog ages, regardless of the type of treatment.