Elbow dysplasia in dogs: How to identify and treat it

Elbow dysplasia in dogs is a common orthopedic condition that affects the elbow joint, primarily in medium to large breed dogs.

It is a developmental disease that occurs when the bones that make up the elbow joint—namely the radius, ulna, and humerus—fail to align properly during growth. This misalignment leads to abnormal wear and tear, causing pain, lameness, and eventually arthritis. Some of the most commonly affected breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

The condition is often genetic, and symptoms may begin as early as five to seven months of age, although some dogs do not show clear signs until later in life.

The early signs of elbow dysplasia can be subtle. Owners might notice that their dog occasionally limps after exercise, avoids placing full weight on the front legs, or seems stiff when getting up.

Over time, these symptoms become more frequent and noticeable. Some dogs will exhibit a reduced range of motion in the affected joint or resist having the leg touched. In more advanced cases, muscle atrophy in the shoulder area may occur due to the dog favoring the other leg.

Diagnosing elbow dysplasia usually involves a combination of physical examination, radiographs (X-rays), and sometimes more advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans or arthroscopy. X-rays can reveal bone abnormalities and degenerative changes in the joint, but CT scans provide a more detailed view, especially in young dogs where early changes may not yet be visible on regular radiographs.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the disease and the age of the dog. In mild cases, conservative management with anti-inflammatory medications, weight control, joint supplements, and controlled exercise may help alleviate discomfort. Physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture can also support joint function and reduce inflammation.

In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove bone fragments, improve joint congruency, or even replace the joint in rare circumstances. The most common surgical procedures for elbow dysplasia include arthroscopy to remove loose bone pieces or more invasive surgeries like the sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) or elbow replacement.

Regardless of the treatment chosen, managing elbow dysplasia is typically a lifelong commitment. While surgery can improve function and relieve pain, it may not fully restore normal joint anatomy, and degenerative joint disease can still progress. That’s why early diagnosis and intervention are so important.

Owners should also focus on maintaining their dog at a healthy weight, as excess pounds can place additional strain on already compromised joints.

Prognosis varies depending on the type and severity of the dysplasia, as well as how early it’s treated.

Many dogs with elbow dysplasia can live long, active lives with appropriate care and monitoring. A combination of veterinary guidance, ongoing therapy, and at-home support can significantly improve quality of life for affected dogs.

References:

– Michelsen, J. (2013). Elbow dysplasia: Pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 43(5), 1131–1143.– Burton, N. J., & Owen, M. R. (2008). Arthroscopic findings in dogs with elbow dysplasia. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 49(3), 115–121.

About the autor

Felipe Garofallo is a veterinarian in Brazil, specialized in orthopedic and neurosurgical care for dogs and cats.

He is also the founder of Ortho for Pets – Veterinary Orthopedics and Specialties.