Elbow dysplasia

What is elbow dysplasia?

Elbow Dysplasia occurs when the articulation between the 3 bones that form the elbow (humerus, radius and ulna) do not articulate correctly and develop abnormally. This condition can affect one elbow, or both at the same time. The symptoms often become apparent between 5-18 months of age, however sometimes the condition is not seen until the dog is in its later years, and this would usually be when they have advanced arthritis. It is most common in medium to large breeds of dog, such as Labrador, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Newfoundland, Bassett Hounds and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Elbow dysplasia can have an affect on the muscles in the area of the elbow joint, such as the cranial Brachial muscles (Biceps Brachii), caudal Brachii muscles (Triceps Brachii and the Anconeus) and the dorsolateral Antebrachial muscles (Extensor Carpi Radialis). Elbow dysplasia can also affect the muscles in the neck and back as the gait of the dog will cause overcompensation in these areas.

There are 4 main classifications of elbow dysplasia, and a 5th classification that is sometimes considered to be elbow dysplasia. The 5th classification is arthritis. Elbow dysplasia will be classified as one of the below:

Fragmented coronoid process (FCP)

This is the most common form of elbow dysplasia. A small piece of bone becomes fragmented which irritates the elbow joint and destroys the cartilage which may lead to the early onset of arthritis.

Image from VCA Hospitals. Please note that BelMar Canine Massage Therapy is not affiliated with VCA Hospitals.

Ununited anconeal process (UAP)

This is where a fragment of bone develops separately from the growth centre and fails to unite with the ulna during growth. 

Image from VCA Hospitals. Please note that BelMar Canine Massage Therapy is not affiliated with VCA Hospitals.

Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD)

This is where a piece of the cartilage from the condyle of the humerus develops abnormally and becomes partially or fully detached from the bones surface resulting in inflammation and pain.

Image from VCA Hospitals. Please note that BelMar Canine Massage Therapy is not affiliated with VCA Hospitals.

Medial compartment disease (MSC)

This is also referred to as elbow incongruity. A misarticulating of the bones leads to the cartilage wearing away more rapidly. This means the underlying bone becomes exposed and the area becomes painful and enflamed.

how does it progress?

The first symptoms are usually lameness in the front limbs. This will typically worsen over the first few months of the condition as it develops. Once the elbow joint has been damaged through cartilage loss, medial compartment disease or an ununited anconeal process, further cartilage damage occurs and inflammation will occur too. Advanced ED will lead to progressive arthritis of the joint, leading to pain and also eventually loss of function of the limb, or limbs.

Image from Rehab Vet. Please note that BelMar Canine Massage Therapy is not affiliated with Rehab Vet.

what are the causes ?

Elbow dysplasia is primarily caused by genetics however there are some other environmental factors that can influence the onset of elbow dysplasua. Here are the main causes:

  • Genetic predisposition - It is most common in medium to large breeds of dog, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, Bassett Hounds and Bernese Mountain Dogs

  • Puppyhood obesity

  • Allowing puppies repetitive access to go up and down the stairs

  • Overexercising the joints - especially when they are developing

  • Exposing them to agility training at a young age

  • Injury or trauma to the joint when the dog is still young

what are the symptoms?

The first symptoms are often seen from 5 month of age and begin as front leg lameness. This can then lead to other symptoms varying in severity:

  • Abduction of the elbows (elbows go out)

  • Standing ‘bow’ legged

  • Stiffness

  • Flopping in to a lying position instead of a controlled lowering

  • Reluctance to exercise

  • Joint thickening/swelling

  • Difficulty in going up and down stairs

  • Reluctance to jumping on and off of things

  • Reduced range of motion

Video by Fitzpatrick Referrals. Please note that Belmar Canine Massage is not affiliated with Fitzpatrick Referrals.

how can massage help with elbow dysplasia?

Massage can help elbow dysplasia in many ways:

  • Helps with pain management

  • Helps reduce protective muscle splinting

  • Help reduce areas of overcompensation

  • May help to improve range of motion (this depends on the severity of the elbow dysplasia)

  • Helps with post-op rehabilitation

  • Helps to reduce soreness and tension around the body

  • Helps to reduce trigger points and spasms associated with elbow dysplasia (usually in the lower back or neck)

Contraindications (reasons to not massage or to alter the massage) to be aware of - if your dog is showing any signs of the following then please let me know and then we can discuss a treatment schedule to work around or outside of the particular issue.

Specific to :

  • Inflammation

  • Damaged tendons in the area

  • A recent contusion to the area

  • Muscle ruptures

  • Sprains and strains

  • Broken bones

  • Arthritis

  • Infections in the area

  • Avoid over stretching the front limbs when elbow dysplasia is present.

General contraindications:

  • Open wounds

  • High blood pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Cardio-vascular conditions

  • Bruises

  • Pregnancy

  • Epilepsy

  • The severity of the condition

  • The level of inflammation in the area (heat therapy should be avoided if inflammation present)

  • Skin irritations such as eczema