Description: Elbow Dysplasia is defined as a syndrome where one or more of these conditions are present—osteochondrosis, elbow incongruity, fragmentation of the coronoid process, and separated or divided anconeal process. Dogs suffering from elbow dysplasia often have an obvious limp to prevent putting pressure on the affected limb. Affected dogs younger than five months of age can already manifest signs of the disease. The condition may progress and worsen as the dog grows into maturity and there may be a need to administer medications to alleviate the pain and make your dog more comfortable. Surgery has only been successful in just a certain percentage of dogs. Diagnosis is based on the physical manifestations coupled with x-ray results. Line of treatment will depend on the severity of the clinical signs and will include prescribed medications, exercise programs to control weight, and in severe cases, surgery may be indicated.

Breeds Commonly Affected: Akita, Belgian Malinois, Australian Cattle Dog, Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Black Russian Terrier, Belgian Sheepdog, Bloodhound, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Bulldog, Bouvier des Flandres, Bullmastiff, English Setter, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, Great Dane, German Wirehaired Pointer, Gordon Setter, Golden Retriever, Havanese, Irish Wolfhound, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, and Spinone Italiano