Elbow dysplasia defines the abnormal development of the elbow joint as the dog grows. As the elbow is a complex joint with the articulation of three bones, the humerus, ulna and radius, elbow dysplasia can manifest in a variety of ways.

• Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP) – The coronoid process fragments and causes irritation and damage to the joint and cartilage. 
• Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP) – The anconeal process develops abnormally with a fragment of bone not fusing with the ulna during growth. 
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) – The condyle of the humerus develops abnormally with cartilage becoming separated from the bone 
• Medial Compartment Disease (MSC) – The bones forming the elbow joint articulate abnormally, wearing down the cartilage. 

These classifications can be caused by

• The ulna or radius growing at a different rate to each other 
• Damage to the coronoid process from the radius and ulna colliding 
• An abnormally developed ulnar notch 

Once the dog has finished growing these initial issues may resolve, e.g., the ulna and radius grow to the correct length albeit one faster than the other, however once abnormality has been present within the joint, secondary changes like osteoarthritis will set in and continue to affect the dog. 

Most dogs are diagnosed with elbow dysplasia before two years of age, although some dogs will not be diagnosed until they start showing symptoms such as limping. The condition is more common in larger breeds such as the Dogue de Bordeaux, St Bernard, Irish Wolfhound and Otterhound, but can still affect smaller dogs. 
 

Cause & Progression

Elbow dysplasia is primarily genetic, but the pathology can be accelerated by environmental factors such as nutrition, inappropriate exercise, obesity, trauma to the joint caused by injury, activities of daily living, or participating in sports such as flyball too young. 

The disease is progressive and although non-surgical management can delay progression, the pathology cannot be reversed. Non-surgical measures include weight management, painkillers, restricted exercise, and physical therapy. 

If the dysplasia is severe, surgery will be recommended. The long-term prognosis of surgery is guarded, as although initially there will be clinical improvement, the degree of secondary osteoarthritis present post-surgery will have an effect. 
 

Onset & Symptoms

An owner may notice the onset of elbow dysplasia when their dog begins limping, is lame or their gaits become irregular. With dogs who have elbow dysplasia in both elbows, the owner may notice a paddling gait as opposed to lameness on a particular forelimb. Sometimes dogs are asymptomatic and therefore only diagnosed should the elbow be x-rayed for breeding or other reasons. 

Other symptoms include

• Nodding of the head during movement 
• Thickening of the joint 
• The dog may be stiff 
• The range of movement around the elbow will be reduced
• Unwilling to exercise
• Having difficulty navigating the stairs 
• Unable to lie down easily 
• Change in disposition due to pain
• “Abduction of the elbow” (Lenton,2018)

How can massage help?

• Targeting areas of overcompensation/hypertonic muscles, particularly the muscles of the neck, back and opposite forelimb
• Reduce pain 
• Strengthen and maintain tone in muscles which are not being recruited by incorrect activation patterns 
• Improve flexibility 
• Reduce inflammation by assisting with circulation of fresh blood, nutrients and lymph.
• Reduce the effects of stiffness 

Information sourced from

Fitzpatrick Referrals (2021) Elbow dysplasia, Fitzpatrick Referrals. Available at: https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedic/canine-elbow-dysplasia/ 

Lenton, N. (2018) Elbow dysplasia, Canine Massage Therapy Centre. Available at: https://www.k9-massage.co.uk/conditions/orthopaedic/elbow-dysplasia/ 

Pead, M. and Guthrie, S. (2019) Elbow dysplasia in dogs. Edited by G.C. Jones. Canine Health Schemes.