The second screening test I will cover is the test to screen for elbow dysplasia.

What Is Elbow Dysplasia?

Elbow dysplasia is the malformation of the elbow joint.

The consequence of this abnormal development is that the three bones of the joint (the humerus, radius and ulna) do not fit together perfectly leading to areas of abnormally high contact pressure. This in turn leads to one of a number of different problems (more than one of which may occur in the same joint at the same time):
1. Fragmented medial coronoid process (FCP)
2. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
3. Ununited anconeal process (UAP)
4. Medial compartment disease

“Elbow dysplasia” is really an umbrella term for a number of different conditions of this joint.

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Elbow Dysplasia?

• Not all affected dogs will show signs when young
• Sudden (acute) episode of elbow lameness due to advanced degenerative joint disease in a mature patient is common
• Intermittent or persistent forelimb lameness that is aggravated by exercise; progresses from stiffness, and noticed only after the dog has been resting
• Pain when extending or flexing the elbow
• Tendency for dogs to hold the affected limb away from the body
  Fluid build-up in the joint
• Grating of bone and joint with movement may be detected with advanced degenerative joint disease
• Diminished range of motion

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What Is The Screening Test For Elbow Dysplasia?

A lot of what I wrote with respect to screening for hip dysplasia also applies to screening for elbow dysplasia.

Like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is believed to be an inherited disease.  Also like hip dysplasia, it is polygenic (meaning it takes many genes to cause the disease).  As with hip dysplasia, the genes that cause elbow dysplasia are not yet identified so the evaluators are not looking for the specific genes that cause the disease, but rather the effect of those genes and whether the joint shows signs of dysplasia.

For this screening test an x-ray is taken of each elbow in the fully flexed position and they are evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation Of America (OFA).  The OFA does not assign a grade to radiographically normal x-rays.  They are only designated as “normal”.  The OFA grades abnormal or dysplastic elbows as Grade I, II or III depending on the severity of the dysplasia.  The dog must be at least 24 months old to receive a “normal” certification, although the OFA will do preliminary evaluations on dog’s under 24 month’s of age.

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What Breeds Are Most At Risk For Elbow Dysplasia?

Based on Orthopedic Foundation Of America  statistics the breeds most at risk for elbow dysplasia are Chow Chow (48.5 percent dysplastic), Pug (46 percent dysplastic), Rottweiler (39.4 percent percent dysplastic), and Bulldog (percent dysplastic).  Of the retrievers, Golden Retriever (11 percent dysplastic) and Labrador (10.6 percent dysplastic) are most at risk.  Remember these percentages are only based on the dogs evaluated by the OFA.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a relatively low incidence of elbow dysplasia, with 5.7 percent dysplastic and 94.3 normal.

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How Should A Puppy Buyer Use This Information?

It seems that elbow evaluations are not as clear-cut as hip evaluations.  There seems to be questions as to whether a dog with a Grade I dysplastic designation could be successfully used in a breeding program.  Dogs designated as Grade I often show no symptoms.  Some other countries use these dogs with apparent success and to help preserve their gene pool.  Also, it seems that there are times when a dog is evaluated as dysplastic, only to send in a second set of x-rays which are evaluated as normal.

I think that for breeds with a high risk for elbow dysplasia, this screening can be a useful tool for breeders.  The OFA recommends:

…dogs from the at risk breeds being considered for a breeding program, as well as their siblings, be radiographed to determine their elbow status.

Puppy buyers who are considering one of the at risk breeds may want to ask the breeder about the elbow status of the puppy’s parents.  But remember, a puppy is so much more than one health screening.

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Are There Treatments For Elbow Dysplasia?

This focus of this series is geared toward the types of health screenings a puppy buyer might consider asking a breeder about when purchasing a pure bred puppy.  But what if your dog (mixed or purebred) is diagnosed with elbow dysplasia?  Are there treatments available?

The answer is yes.

There are surgical and non-surgical treatments available.

Many dogs can be managed effectively using non-surgical or “conservative” measures:
1. Very careful control of body weight.
2. Controlled exercise, avoiding boisterous activities such as running, turning at speed, chasing a ball, rough and tumble with other dogs, braking sharply and jumping down to land on the front legs.
3. Hydrotherapy is beneficial as it works the muscles without overload the elbow joint. This is a good way to keep dogs fit and to help with weight control.
4. Dietary supplements such as omega-3-fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate may relieve some of the joint discomfort and stiffness. Prescription diets are available for arthritic dogs and these can be beneficial.
5. Prescription medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs may be required on either a daily or as-needed basis.

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For addition information on elbow dysplasia see:

ORVS pdf on Elbow Dysplasia