If you think your dog may have elbow dysplasia, take them to your vet. They’ll look for swollen and painful joints, a stilted walk, and signs of pain when flexing and extending your dog’s elbows.
Your vet will also need to sedate your dog and run x-rays or CTs. This is to look for any internal lesions on the elbows and confidently diagnose the condition.
Treatment options
There are 6 different options when it comes to treating and managing elbow dysplasia. Your vet will recommend the best combination to suit your individual pup.
Weight management
Being overweight will put extra strain on your dog’s joints, which is why it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight for their breed. This may involve a controlled diet and weight loss programme.
Controlled exercise
Encourage your dog to have low impact exercise (such as short, regular walks) that’s appropriate to their breed. Minimise high impact exercise like running, jumping, turning at speed, boisterous play with other dogs, and ball catching.
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy
Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy help to build up your dog’s muscle strength without putting strain on their elbows.
Pain relief
Anti-inflammatory and other pain medications may be prescribed to control the pain and discomfort caused by this condition.
Joint supplements
Joint supplements may be recommended to try and maintain joint health as much as possible.
Surgery
More severe forms of elbow dysplasia may need surgery by a specialist veterinary surgeon. This may include removing bone fragments or altering stress forces on the joint by carefully making small cuts to bone or tendons.