Individual care · Veterinary consent
Elbow dysplasia
A developmental difference in how the elbow joint forms, usually seen in young dogs.
What it is
Elbow dysplasia is a group of developmental problems in which the parts of the elbow joint do not fit together quite as they should. It usually shows up in young, often larger-breed dogs, and because the joint surfaces do not meet evenly it commonly leads to arthritis later on. Diagnosis is made by your vet, usually with imaging.
What you might notice
- Lameness on a front leg, often worse after exercise or the next morning
- A shortened, choppy stride at the front
- Standing with the paw turned slightly outwards, or elbows held oddly
- Reluctance to go down stairs or off a step
- Stiffness that improves with gentle movement and returns after rest
These are things owners commonly describe. They are not a diagnosis, and several of them overlap with other conditions — only your vet can tell you what is actually going on.
How massage may help
A dog carries around sixty per cent of their weight on their front legs, so a sore elbow is difficult to rest. The load travels into the shoulder, up into the neck, and across to the opposite front leg. Those areas often become tight and tender long before an owner connects it to the elbow. Shanice works with that spread of compensation, alongside your vet’s management of the joint itself.
Talk to Shanice about your dog
A diagnosis is only one part of the story. Two dogs with the same condition can need quite different care, depending on their age, temperament, routine and what they love doing. Share your dog’s veterinary history when you enquire and Shanice will talk through whether massage is appropriate for them.
Treatment complements your dog’s veterinary care, takes place in your own home, and requires signed veterinary consent.
Enquire about a session