Elbow dysplasia is a general term used to identify an inherited polygenic disease in the elbow of dogs.
Three specific etiologies make up this disease and they can occur independently or in conjunction with one another. They are as follows:
1. Pathology involving the medial coronoid of the ulna (FCP)
2. Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle in the elbow joint (OCD)
3. United anconeal process (UAP)
Studies have shown the inherited polygenic traits causing these etiologies are independent of one another.
Clinical signs involve lameness which may remain subtle for long periods of time.
No one can predict at what age lameness will occur in a dog as there are a many genetic and environmental factors such as degree of severity of changes, rate of weight gain, amount of exercise, etc.
Subtle changes in gait may be characterised by excessive inward deviation of the paw which raises the outside of the paw so that it receives less weight and distributes more mechanical weight on the outside (lateral) aspect of the elbow joint away from the lesions located on the inside of the joint.
Range of motion in the elbow is also decreased.
Three specific etiologies make up this disease and they can occur independently or in conjunction with one another. They are as follows:
1. Pathology involving the medial coronoid of the ulna (FCP)
2. Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle in the elbow joint (OCD)
3. United anconeal process (UAP)
Studies have shown the inherited polygenic traits causing these etiologies are independent of one another.
Clinical signs involve lameness which may remain subtle for long periods of time.
No one can predict at what age lameness will occur in a dog as there are a many genetic and environmental factors such as degree of severity of changes, rate of weight gain, amount of exercise, etc.
Subtle changes in gait may be characterised by excessive inward deviation of the paw which raises the outside of the paw so that it receives less weight and distributes more mechanical weight on the outside (lateral) aspect of the elbow joint away from the lesions located on the inside of the joint.
Range of motion in the elbow is also decreased.
Evaluating the Elbow
Elbow dysplasia has multiple inherited etiologies which may occur singularly or in combination.
The most sensitive view used to diagnose secondary degenerative changes in the elbow joint is an extreme flexed medio-lateral view of the elbow is required.
Veterinary radiologists are most in the appearance of the anconeal process of the ulna.
If elbow dysplasia causes instability in the elbow joint, one of the most sensitive radiographic findings is new bone proliferation (osteophytes) on the anconeal process of the ulna associated with secondary developmental degenerative joint disease.
Bone proliferation can be very subtle to see in some dogs and may require the use of a special light source (hot light) rather than a traditional view box to diagnose it.
Other arthritic findings such as sclerosis in the area of the trochlear notch of the ulna and bone spurs at joint edges are also reported.
If fragmentation of the medial coronoid only involves the cartilage, it may not be seen radiographically but occasionally if the bone is also fragmented, it can be seen as a separate calcific opacity superimposed over the radius.
Elbow dysplasia has multiple inherited etiologies which may occur singularly or in combination.
The most sensitive view used to diagnose secondary degenerative changes in the elbow joint is an extreme flexed medio-lateral view of the elbow is required.
Veterinary radiologists are most in the appearance of the anconeal process of the ulna.
If elbow dysplasia causes instability in the elbow joint, one of the most sensitive radiographic findings is new bone proliferation (osteophytes) on the anconeal process of the ulna associated with secondary developmental degenerative joint disease.
Bone proliferation can be very subtle to see in some dogs and may require the use of a special light source (hot light) rather than a traditional view box to diagnose it.
Other arthritic findings such as sclerosis in the area of the trochlear notch of the ulna and bone spurs at joint edges are also reported.
If fragmentation of the medial coronoid only involves the cartilage, it may not be seen radiographically but occasionally if the bone is also fragmented, it can be seen as a separate calcific opacity superimposed over the radius.
Grading Elbows
For elbow evaluations, there are no grades for a radiographically normal elbow. The only grades involved are for abnormal elbows with radiographic changes associated with secondary degenerative joint disease. Like the hip certification, the AVA will not certify a normal elbow until the dog is more than 18 months old. Check with the AVA for more information. To date, there are no long term studies for preliminary elbow examinations like there are for hips, however, preliminary screening for elbows along with hips can also provide valuable information to the breeder.
For elbow evaluations, there are no grades for a radiographically normal elbow. The only grades involved are for abnormal elbows with radiographic changes associated with secondary degenerative joint disease. Like the hip certification, the AVA will not certify a normal elbow until the dog is more than 18 months old. Check with the AVA for more information. To date, there are no long term studies for preliminary elbow examinations like there are for hips, however, preliminary screening for elbows along with hips can also provide valuable information to the breeder.
Grade I Elbow Dysplasia
Minimal bone change along anconeal process of ulna (less than 3 mm).
Grade II Elbow Dysplasia
Additional bone proliferation along anconeal process (3 to 5 mm) and subchondral bone changes (trochlear notch sclerosis).
Grade III Elbow Dysplasia
Well developed degenerative joint disease with bone proliferation along anconeal process being greater than than 5 mm.
Minimal bone change along anconeal process of ulna (less than 3 mm).
Grade II Elbow Dysplasia
Additional bone proliferation along anconeal process (3 to 5 mm) and subchondral bone changes (trochlear notch sclerosis).
Grade III Elbow Dysplasia
Well developed degenerative joint disease with bone proliferation along anconeal process being greater than than 5 mm.
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Information for this page has been sourced from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
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