What are the symptoms of elbow dysplasia?

Lameness in one or both front legs, which worsens after exercise. Stiffness when getting up. Reluctance to exercise. May hold the elbow away from the body. Muscle wasting of the leg

Is Elbow dysplasia contagious?

Elbow dysplasia does not spread directly between animals.

Articulares y huesos

Elbow dysplasia

A developmental malformation of the elbow joint. It causes lameness and osteoarthritis. Common in large-breed dogs.

Moderate🐕 Dogs

Symptoms to watch for

• Lameness in one or both front legs, which worsens after exercise
• Stiffness when getting up
• Reluctance to exercise
• May hold the elbow away from the body
• Muscle wasting of the leg

Causes

A genetic component, made worse by rapid growth, being overweight as a puppy and inappropriate exercise. Predisposed breeds: Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog.

Diagnosis

Physical examination plus radiographs, sometimes a CT scan. There are official screening schemes to support breeding.

Treatment

Mild cases: weight control, appropriate exercise, physiotherapy, chondroprotectants and pain management. Severe cases: surgery. An early diagnosis improves the outcome.

Prevention

Puppies from parents with screened elbows, avoiding your puppy becoming overweight, and age-appropriate exercise.

When should you see the vet?

See your vet if your young dog is lame in a front leg or after exercise. The sooner you act, the more options there are.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.