Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is an umbrella term for several developmental conditions affecting the elbow joint:

• Fragmented coronoid process (FCP): A fragment of bone breaks away from the coronoid process on the inner elbow
• Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD): A flap of cartilage develops on the joint surface
• Ununited anconeal process (UAP): A piece of bone fails to fuse to the rest of the elbow during growth
• Elbow incongruity: Mismatching of joint surface contours

All cause pain, lameness, and progressive osteoarthritis. Most dogs show signs between five and eighteen months of age, as the skeletal abnormalities develop during the growth phase. The condition often affects both elbows, though one side is usually worse.

What to monitor

Gait. Front limb lameness - typically one or both front legs. Dogs may carry one leg or show an altered gait to reduce elbow load. A "paddling" or shortened front stride.

Stiffness after rest. Similar to hip dysplasia, stiffness on rising that eases with movement is characteristic.

Exercise tolerance. Reluctance to exercise, play, or run at speed. Tiring on walks more quickly than expected.

Swelling at the elbow. Joint effusion (fluid accumulation) can sometimes be seen as swelling on the outer aspect of the elbow.

Pain on manipulation. Note any yelping, flinching, or reluctance when the elbow is handled. Your vet will assess this formally.

Post-exercise soreness. Some dogs appear to move well during exercise but are clearly sore the following day.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves radiography (X-rays) with the elbows in specific positions, ideally under sedation or anaesthesia. The BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme scores each elbow 0–3 (0 being normal). CT scanning provides more detail on coronoid pathology and is increasingly used prior to surgery.

Treatment

Conservative management (appropriate for mild cases or cases without fragments):

• Strict rest during growth phase
• Controlled, low-impact exercise
• NSAIDs for pain management
• Weight control
• Joint supplements and physiotherapy

Surgery (for most cases with fragments or significant OCD):

• Arthroscopy to remove fragments, debride damaged cartilage, and assess joint surfaces - the most common approach
• Subtotal coronoid ostectomy (SCO) in some FCP cases
• UAP repair with screws or removal depending on the case

Surgery does not reverse established osteoarthritis but removes the primary cause of pain and slows further joint damage.

Post-surgical monitoring

Log daily during recovery:

• Weight bearing on affected leg(s) - gradual improvement expected
• Swelling at surgical site
• Any discharge from the wound
• Exercise tolerance as restrictions are gradually lifted (typically 8–12 weeks of controlled activity)

When to contact your vet

Contact your vet soon if:

• A large-breed puppy shows any degree of front limb lameness
• Lameness is worsening or failing to improve

Contact promptly post-surgery if:

• Wound complications, sudden worsening, or non-weight-bearing returns

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does elbow dysplasia typically become apparent? Most dogs show signs between five and eighteen months. Because the skeletal changes develop during growth, early-onset lameness in a large-breed puppy should always be investigated.

My dog has been scored for the BVA/KC elbow scheme - what does the score mean? Each elbow is scored 0–3: 0 = normal, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe. For breeding dogs, the combined elbow score should be 0. For pet dogs with symptoms, the score helps determine treatment and prognosis.

Will my dog develop arthritis despite surgery? Yes, to some degree - existing joint damage does not reverse. However, early surgery before significant arthritis develops, combined with weight management and appropriate exercise, significantly reduces the rate of progression and maintains quality of life.

Is elbow dysplasia the same as hip dysplasia? They are separate developmental conditions affecting different joints. The causes and mechanisms differ, though both have genetic components and affect large breeds predominantly. A dog can have both.

Can elbow dysplasia be prevented? The genetic component cannot be prevented. Feeding large-breed puppies a diet formulated for large breeds, avoiding over-supplementation with calcium, maintaining lean body condition during growth, and avoiding repetitive high-impact exercise all reduce the severity of expression. Responsible breeding using BVA/KC-scored animals reduces prevalence.