Companion Dog Elbow Dysplasia Welfare

Elbow dysplasia is a leading cause of forelimb lameness and chronic pain in large breed dogs - genetic screening reduces incidence.

Key Facts

Elbow dysplasia encompasses several developmental conditions including FCP, OCD, and UAP
Large breeds including Labradors, Rottweilers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs are most commonly affected
Clinical signs typically appear at 4-10 months of age and include forelimb lameness and pain on flexion
Surgical treatment improves outcomes significantly when performed early
Lifelong medical management including NSAIDs and physiotherapy is required for most dogs
BVA/KC Elbow Scheme grades elbows to inform breeding decisions and reduce incidence

Welfare Considerations

Elbow dysplasia causes significant chronic pain from an early age. Despite effective surgical and medical management, affected dogs face welfare compromise throughout their lives. Breeding from health-tested parents with low elbow scores significantly reduces the probability of producing affected offspring.

What You Can Do

Ask breeders for BVA elbow scheme results before purchasing large breed puppies
Seek early veterinary assessment if a young large breed dog shows forelimb lameness
Manage weight carefully in breeds predisposed to elbow dysplasia
Ask your vet about specialist orthopaedic assessment and surgical options
Support research into elbow dysplasia genetics to improve health testing effectiveness