What is elbow dysplasia, symptoms, diagnosis and treatments
Elbow dysplasia is a collective term for a number of abnormalities that can occur at the elbow joint. The name of this condition literally means ' deformity of the elbow '. If the development of the elbows does not work well with growing dogs, these joints can become deformed. Usually this condition develops at an age of 4 to 12 months. Sometimes it concerns slight deviations that are not so stressful for the dog. But the joints can also become seriously deformed. The dog then has considerable pain and goes with the front legs crippled walk. Elbow dysplasia can eventually damage the cartilage in the affected joints. So this condition usually also results in osteoarthritis .
What is the cause of elbow dysplasia in dogs?
The elbow joint is perhaps the most complex joint of the dog. And thus it is therefore very sensitive to developmental disorders. Most joints consist of two bone ends. However, the dog's elbow joint consists of three bones . That is why it is more likely that problems can occur at this joint during the growing up phase. A number of dog breeds have the ability to develop a form of ED. This condition is more than average among others in the Bernese Mountain range, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Bordeaux Dog, Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. In addition, elbow dysplasia can be caused by too rapid growth. The muscles can not keep up with the development of the bones and joints. The pup lacks muscle strength to be able to carry the weight well during a long walk. As a result, the elbow joints become overloaded.
Movement can also be a factor. When playing wildly, jumping and bouncing behind tennis balls, the elbow joints are very heavily loaded. In young dogs, muscle development is not optimal yet, so they can not properly absorb this load. This increases the chance of joint damage. Males are more likely to suffer from this condition than females, because males are heavier. Below we discuss the four most common forms of elbow dysplasia in dogs:
What is Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)?
This is a piece of cartilage that has come loose in the elbow joint. This causes the bone to become inflamed. This can cause a lot of pain. The vet will want to intervene as soon as possible. Otherwise, chances are that the inflammations will damage the cartilage and arthrosis will develop. The loose cartilage fragment will be removed by means of an arthroscopy. During this operation, the inflamed bone tissue is also cleaned.
What is Incongruency in dogs?
With this form of elbow dysplasia, the ulna and radius are not properly aligned. This is because during the growth a difference in length has occurred between these two bones. The joint surface of the radius is too short or too long, so it does not fit nicely with the ulna. This causes irritation of the cartilage and the bone tissue. Osteoarthritis can also occur. The veterinarian can restore this abnormality reasonably well by means of an operation. However, this is a heavy intervention.
Los Processus Anconeus (LPA)
The Processus Anconeus is a part of the ulna that hinges in the forearm. In this form of elbow dysplasia this bone is not solidified. The Processus Anconeus develops from the cartilage and has grown to the ulna around the 5th month of life. The separation of this part therefore takes place before this ossification is complete. The Loose Processus Anconeus irritates the cartilage of the elbow joint. As a result, osteoarthritis develops over time . The veterinarian will surgically remove this fragment.
Los Processus Coronoid (LPC)
The Processus Coronoid is a piece of bone from the ulna on the inside of the elbow. In this ED variant, this part is partially or completely degraded. This can also cause irritation and eventually lead to osteoarthritis. The treatment consists of the surgical removal of the loose fragment. At the time of diagnosis, there is usually already osteoarthritis in the joint. This makes this procedure more complex than with other forms of elbow dysplasia. The osteoarthritis process can be slowed down by the treatment.
What are the symptoms of elbow dysplasia in dogs?
Mank walking is one of the most striking features of a dog with elbow dysplasia. Large loose fragments in the joint provide more lameness. In principle, incongruity and LPA lead to major shortcomings. The problems become visible at a young age and dogs go to the vet at the age of 6 to 12 months. Sometimes it is difficult for a boss to discover lameness in his dog. Make sure your dog sits down quickly and is difficult to get up . Other indications are: no longer want to take long walks and walk very stiff .
How is the diagnosis of elbow dysplasia in dogs?
elbow dysplasia dogThe vet will listen carefully to your story. As a result, he will physically examine the dog. In case of suspected elbow dysplasia, the veterinarian will make X-rays of the elbow joint from multiple positions . On the basis of this, he can make a diagnosis about the type of ED and whether there is osteoarthritis formation.
How is elbowsysplasia treated in dogs?
In most cases, the veterinarian will have to intervene surgically in all forms of elbow dysplasia. In addition, he can prescribe anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs). A safe and natural alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs is liquid green-lipped mussel with Curcumin for dogs . This is a natural anti-inflammatory that can help reduce the pain in the dog. This medicine can also be used if osteoarthritis is caused by the elbow dysplasia . The liquid green lip mussel with Curcumin for dogs inhibits inflammation, reducing pain and increasing suppleness. In addition, the New Zealand Green lip mussela high content of Glucosamine-like ingredients. These are important for the maintenance and repair of cartilage. Two complete courses per year are sufficient to effectively combat joint complaints in dogs. Liquid green-lipped mussel with Curcumin for dogs is available at the pet store.