Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

On the Waggy's blog, we explore one of the most common orthopedic concerns in hypoallergenic dogs : elbow dysplasia. Understanding what elbow dysplasia is, its symptoms, and how to properly manage it is essential to ensuring your pet's well-being. Join us as we delve into the causes, the signs to look out for, and how Waggy's Mobility can help improve your dog's quality of life with our specialized joint health formula.

What is elbow dysplasia in dogs?

Elbow dysplasia in dogs is an orthopedic disease that affects the elbow joint, commonly in large and medium-sized breeds such as the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Golden Retriever. It is a hereditary condition that develops due to abnormal growth of the bones and cartilage of the elbow during the dog's developmental stage.

Causes of elbow dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia in dogs is a multifactorial condition, meaning that several causes can contribute to its development. The main causes include:

• Genetic factors: Elbow dysplasia is an inherited disease. Dogs with parents who have had this condition have a higher risk of developing it.
• Rapid growth: Rapid bone growth, especially during puppyhood, can contribute to elbow dysplasia. This is more common in large and giant breeds, where the weight and pressure on the joints is greater.

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• Improper nutrition: An unbalanced diet, especially with excess calories, calcium, or an imbalance of other minerals and nutrients, can accelerate growth and contribute to the development of dysplasia. A soft diet for dogs or a barf diet is recommended.
• Trauma or injury: Injuries to the elbow during growth can interfere with normal joint development, potentially leading to dysplasia.
• Environmental factors: Excessive exercise or high-impact activities in young, growing dogs can also negatively affect joint development and predispose them to dysplasia.
• Bone Development Problems : Elbow dysplasia can also develop if the bones that make up the elbow joint do not develop in a coordinated manner, which can cause misalignment and joint damage.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help mitigate symptoms and improve the quality of life of the affected dog. Radiographic testing is often necessary to confirm elbow dysplasia.

Degrees of elbow dysplasia in dogs

Elbow dysplasia in dogs is classified into several grades depending on the severity of the condition and the damage to the joint. The grades of elbow dysplasia are mainly assessed through radiographs and are divided into:

• Grade 0 (Normal): There are no signs of elbow dysplasia, the joints are normal without alterations.
• Grade 1 (Mild): There is mild irregularity in the joint surface, with minimal signs of osteoarthritis or degenerative changes. Some mild joint discomfort may develop over time.
• Grade 2 (Moderate): There is obvious presence of osteoarthritis with more marked changes in the elbow joint. The dog is likely to experience pain and limited mobility, requiring veterinary management.
• Grade 3 (Severe): Advanced degenerative changes with clear bone deformation and fragmentation, osteoarthritis is very present. Dogs with severe dysplasia often require intensive treatment, and are likely to suffer from chronic pain and reduced mobility.

How to know if your dog has dysplasia? Symptoms

It is essential to be aware of these signs to identify the problem as soon as possible and seek veterinary treatment:

One of the most obvious symptoms is limping, which may be intermittent or constant. The dog may have difficulty putting weight on the affected leg, especially after exercise or when getting up after resting.

• Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity, is another common sign. The dog may have difficulty moving upon awakening or after long periods of rest.
• The affected elbow may be tender to the touch. The dog may show discomfort, whining, or even aggressive reactions if the affected joint is touched.
• A dog with elbow dysplasia may become less active, avoiding play or exercise that he once enjoyed. He may appear tired or reluctant to move.
• In some cases, the elbow joint may be visibly inflamed or swollen, indicating the presence of an inflammatory process.
• The dog may change his posture or gait to avoid pain. He may walk with a stiff gait or sway from side to side.
• Pain and discomfort can make a dog less interested in interacting with other dogs or people, showing signs of irritability or sadness.

Treatment for elbow dysplasia in dogs

Treatment for elbow dysplasia in dogs depends on the severity of the condition and may include both conservative and surgical approaches. In mild cases, conservative management is often the first choice, and includes administration of anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and inflammation, along with supplements that promote joint health, such as those containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids. Weight control and restriction of strenuous physical activities are also essential to minimize stress on affected joints. Physical therapy and controlled exercise, such as swimming, can help maintain mobility without causing additional damage.

In moderate to severe cases, when conservative management is not sufficient, surgery may be necessary. There are several surgical options depending on the type and degree of dysplasia, such as arthroscopy to remove loose fragments or correct bone abnormalities, or in more advanced cases, corrective osteotomy or even joint fusion. The choice of surgical treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and should be discussed with an orthopedic veterinarian. After surgery, a rehabilitation program is crucial to ensure optimal recovery and improve the dog's quality of life.

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Exercises for elbow dysplasia in dogs

Exercises for dogs with elbow dysplasia are designed to strengthen the muscles that support the joint, improve mobility, and reduce pain without causing additional stress on the affected joints. Here are 3 recommendations from Waggy's:

• Controlled walks: Controlled walks on flat, smooth surfaces are essential to maintain joint mobility without overstressing the affected elbow. It is important to maintain a slow, steady pace, avoiding uneven terrain and slopes that can increase stress on the joints. These walks should be short but frequent, helping to strengthen the leg muscles without causing fatigue or pain.
• Swimming: Swimming is one of the best exercises for dogs with elbow dysplasia. Water reduces the weight on the joints, allowing fluid movement without impact. It also strengthens muscles throughout the body, especially those in the limbs, and improves joint flexibility. It is important to make sure that the dog is comfortable in the water and start with short sessions, gradually increasing the time as he gets used to it.
• Stretching exercises: Gentle stretching is essential to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness in the elbow joints. An example is the passive front leg stretch, where the owner carefully and gently extends the dog's leg forward and then flexes it again. This exercise should be done slowly and without forcing the range of motion, always observing the dog's reaction to avoid any discomfort or pain.

Performing these exercises regularly, under the supervision of a veterinarian or physical therapist, can help improve the quality of life of dogs with elbow dysplasia.

How to help a dog with elbow dysplasia?

• Take your dog to the vet for an accurate diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.
• Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Being overweight increases the pressure on the joints, making dysplasia worse.
• Do low-impact exercises, such as short walks and swimming, which help maintain mobility without damaging your joints.
• Consider adding supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to your diet to strengthen your joints.
• Provides a soft and comfortable bed to reduce pressure on your joints while you rest.
• Limit activities that require jumping or climbing stairs to avoid stress on your elbows.
• Ask about physical therapy or massage, which can relieve pain and improve mobility.

Conclusion

Elbow dysplasia in dogs is a painful condition that can affect your pet's mobility and quality of life. However, with early diagnosis and proper management, such as moderate exercise and targeted supplements, you can help your dog feel more comfortable. Waggy's Mobility offers an effective solution with its treats enriched with HEMP, Marine Cartilage, Turmeric and Omegas, designed to support joint health and reduce inflammation. Incorporating Waggy's Mobility into your dog's diet can be a key step towards improving their well-being and keeping them active and happy.