Dog elbow dysplasia

2022-02-17 Veterinarijos gydytojas Animal diseases

The elbow is probably the most important and complex joint in the foreleg. It is stressed during both flexion and extension (while the other joints are “resting” during either of these movements). It is therefore very important that this joint is in excellent condition. Although it is very difficult to keep it that way because of its anatomy. The elbow joint is a complex joint made up of three bones (humerus, radius and ulna) which must fit together. And even a minimal misalignment of one of the bones that make up the elbow changes the direction of the forces acting on the joint, causing excessive loading on one part of the articular surface. The most common elbow problems are found in large (Bernese Mountain Dogs, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds) and small “short-legged” (Dachshunds, Bulldogs, various terrier breeds) breeds.

What elbow abnormalities occur?

You’ve probably all heard the term dysplasia, but let’s start at the beginning. The most common findings in the elbow joint are incongruence (Fig. 1), ununited ulnar process (UAP) (Fig. 2), fractures of the coronal process (FCP), dissecting osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) (Fig. 3). All these problems can be summarised in one word DISPLAYSION, which leads to damage to the inner part of the elbow joint (MCD). And over time to the development of osteoarthritis. Almost all pet owners imagine that elbow problems start at an older age. However, the opposite is true, almost all lesions start to develop in puppies at 4-6 months of age, and the kinetic symptoms appear much later when osteoarthritis develops. Why is this so? Well, it is because the elbow joint abnormalities are due to impaired bone development, which is partly hereditary. I.e. the radius grows faster than the ulna and vice versa, the blood vessels that feed the bone become damaged, blocked, etc. All of this leads to incongruence (misalignment) of the elbow joint, which is where all the problems start.

How do you know if a dog has a problem with the elbow joint?

From the dog’s gait, episodes of limping, elbow dysplasia can only be detected at an advanced stage. The dog keeps the elbow joint pressed against the chest and the paw thrown outwards (Fig. 4), and episodes of lameness recur after more active play or running around outside. However, veterinarians do not advise waiting until problems become obvious and recommend that dogs at risk should be examined at 5-6 months of age. The test is simple and painless: X-rays are taken of the sedated animal in special positions.

Is there a treatment for these problems?

There is no specific treatment for elbow dysplasia. As elbow diseases are diagnosed late, pain killers are usually prescribed and rehabilitation exercises are recommended. However, treatment is most effective if it is aimed at preventing osteoarthritis (i.e. late-stage) or at least preventing its onset as late as possible. For this purpose, it is important to diagnose the disease before the puppy is 6 months old, before the signs of osteoarthritis have appeared. In such cases, various minimal bone corrective surgeries are carried out to correct the incongruence and thus prevent any future damage. Is there any way to help a dog if you become aware of a problem when it is over 6 months old? There is now, in our clinic we use the PAUL technique for the treatment of elbow dysplasia (Fig. 5). This treatment method is suitable for dogs aged 1 to 9 years with mild to moderate elbow dysplasia. The principle of the PAUL technique is to transfer the loading force on the elbow joint from the more loaded part of the joint to the less loaded part (Fig. 6). This is done with the help of a special orthopaedic plate implanted on the ulna.

How to reduce the risk of elbow dysplasia?

Weight and more weight. Weight management is essential to prevent joint problems. This is important both during growth and as an adult, an extra kilo means an extra load on the joint. Excessive strain and trauma should also be avoided during growth, i.e. jumping from a car or other high surfaces, sudden changes of direction when running.