Elbow dysplasia is a painful degenerative condition that affects popular breeds of large dogs like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Great Danes.
What is elbow dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is caused by an abnormality that forms in a puppy’s elbow joint and affects proper development of the elbow. Elbow dysplasia is genetic and usually reveals itself in the early stages of a dog’s life, often as early as six months of age. Because elbow dysplasia is a genetic disease, veterinarians are still unsure of what causes it.
The ailment occurs when a piece of bone or cartilage breaks and interferes with the development of a proper joint structure in the dog’s elbow, causing a great amount of pain in the elbow joint.
Fortunately there are treatments that can help correct and lessen the discomfort for a dog with this disease.
Signs of elbow dysplasia in dogs
The first signs of elbow dysplasia display themselves by a dog limping or avoiding any pressure on the affected leg. If both elbows develop dysplasia, a dog will have great difficulty standing up or walking.
Early recognition of the first signs of elbow dysplasia can prevent further damage to the developing elbow joint if the dog is put under the care of a veterinarian. If the condition is allowed to worsen it will cause greater pain and discomfort as the dog begins to get older.
Treatment options of elbow dysplasia in dogs
The most common treatments for a dog with elbow dysplasia are medical or aerobic rather than surgery.
• A special diet may be recommended to help maintain a lower weight, thereby relieving excessive pressure on the joints.
• A vet may also instruct you to limit the dog’s exercise to help correct the abnormality through regular movement while keeping the level of injury low.
• Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed when the pain is severe.
• Although surgery is not as commonly recommended, it can help. The affected bone or cartilage is removed and the veterinary surgeon will use pins and screws to re-attach the bones that did not grow together correctly.
Almost all treatments prescribed for elbow dysplasia in dogs will help the animal live a normal life after approximately one or two years of treatment, at which point the dog usually shows no signs of the condition.
Since 1990, Winston’s Joint System and Winston’s Pain Formula have helped heal over twenty thousand dogs from all over the world. Our staff specializes in hip dysplasia, arthritis and all joint, pain and mobility issues.
There is an excellent chance we can help your dog, so please contact us at: www.dogshealth.com or call our toll free number at 888-901-5557.