Elbow Dysplasia

Dysplasia is used to describe an abnormality within the joint.

Similar to hip dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia is the term used to describe the abnormal development of the elbow joint which comprises of the Humerus (long upper foreleg bone) and the lower leg bones, equivalent to your lower arm (radius and ulnar).

As the joint develops problems in the cartilage or bone arise as the joint is unable to articulate, or move, normally. A knock on effect of elbow dysplasia is secondary osteoarthritis as the joint is unable to move normally wear and tear on the joint starts to occur early on. In every joint in the body two bones work together to allow movement, where the two bones meet is covered with cartilage which acts like a cushion to protect the bone. In some forms of Elbow Dysplasia the cushion is forced to wear away causing your dog pain and discomfort which usually manifests as lameness.

There are four developmental causes of elbow dysplasia in dogs:

• Osteochondrosis Dessicans (OCD)  damaged cartilage which grows abnormally. Rather than staying attached the bone it can break off or crack. These bits or cartilage do not necrotise (die) but instead continue to grow and cause pain as the lining of the joint becomes inflamed. Can also affect the shoulder, hock and knee.
• Ununited Anconeal Process, - at the back of the elbow joint lies the anconeal process which is attached to the ulna (similar to your funny bone on your elbow). In young dogs this area, which is still cartilage, depends on bone being laid down to form and calcify to build and lengthen bones during the growth phase. In some dogs this anoconeal process does not fuse with the main body of ulna and instead forms a separate bone which is referred to as a Ununited Anconeal Process. Breeds most prone to this include German Shepherds, Bassets, Mastiffs, and St. Bernard`s
• Fragmented Coronoid process - a small piece of bone on the inner side of the ulna breaks off. This small piece of bone irritate the cartilage which lines and cushions the bone and can begin to grind away at the cartilage of the humerus (long leg bone equal to your upper arm) Breeds prone to this include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bullmastiffs
• Elbow In congruency the joints of the elbow are unable to articulate properly due to natural conformation. As the joint does not fit together well enough progressive arthritis begins to occur as the joint comes under more wear and tear.

• Genetic (the ED gene)
• Over exercise while young
• Excessive going up and down stairs whilst a puppy
• Injury to the joint
• Poor Nutrition
• Symptoms of Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs
• Lameness
• Limping
• Pain

See your vet for a proper diagnosis of your dogs condition. Your vet will probably want to x ray your dog and an arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgical procedure used to exam and sometimes treat the joints interior)may be necessary.

How Can Massage Help Elbow Dysplasia In Dogs?

• Pre surgical conditioning
• Post operative rehabilitation
• Helps the areas where the body is overcompensating (for instance if your dogs front right elbow is causing pain they will refer typically asymmetrically to their back left leg; you may see signs of lameness on the overcompensating leg which massage can help to either support or eradicate depending on the length of time held and the trauma caused to the back leg)
• Soothes areas of pain
• Reduces soreness and tension throughout the whole body
• Removes spasms/trigger points which are usually associated with Elbow Dysplasia in the lower neck and behind the shoulder (look out for twitching)