Elbow dysplasia

Body function:

Skeletal & Joint

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Elbow dysplasia in dogs is a genetic disorder that causes abnormal cells to grow in a dog’s elbow tissue, causing deformity. It is most prevalent in Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Chow Chows. While signs of elbow dysplasia may appear earlier, it is typically not diagnosed until 6 months of age; at this point, a dog’s growth plates will be fully closed.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Airedale Terrier, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Basset Hound, Bearded Collie, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bichon Frise, Bloodhound, Boerboel, Border Collie, Border Terrier, Boston Terrier, Bouvier Des Flandres, Boxer, Briard, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, Dogue De Bordeaux, English Cocker Spaniel, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Flat-coated Retriever, German Shepherd, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Wirehaired Pointer, Giant Schnauzer, Golden Retriever, Gordon Setter, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Havanese, Icelandic Sheepdog, Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Keeshond, Komondor, Labrador Retriever, Leonberger, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Norwich Terrier, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Old English Sheepdog, Otterhound, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, Pug, Puli, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard, Samoyed, Shetland Sheepdog, Shiba Inu, Siberian Husky, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Spinone Italiano, Stabyhoun, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Standard Schnauzer, Tibetan Spaniel, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Whippet, Yorkshire Terrier, Mixed Breed

A brown dog is sitting on its hind legs with its front paw raised. The dog is looking up at the camera with a hopeful expression.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

Elbow dysplasia is treatable, but early intervention is essential. Surgery is typically the best option, but other treatments include weight management, joint supplements, braces, and physical therapy. Medications may also be prescribed to manage pain.

Symptoms

Symptoms include reluctance to exercise, abnormal elbow positioning, and a bobbing walk.

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