Elbow dysplasia encompasses multiple developmental conditions causing chronic forelimb lameness, and like hip dysplasia, has a strong heritable component amenable to breeding-based welfare improvement.
Elbow dysplasia causes chronic forelimb pain from a young age, affecting dogs at the most active stage of their lives. Unlike hip dysplasia, which can develop later, elbow dysplasia typically causes lameness before the age of one, denying puppies normal exploration and play. The heritable nature of the condition means that ethical breeding selection can progressively reduce its prevalence. The BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme provides breeding guidance but uptake in predisposed breeds remains lower than ideal. Early arthroscopic surgery provides the best welfare outcomes — fragment removal prevents ongoing joint damage from intra-articular debris. Long-term NSAIDs, weight management, and physiotherapy maintain quality of life as secondary osteoarthritis progresses.