Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Elbow Dysplasia: Early Detection and Management

Improving outcomes for dogs with elbow dysplasia through early diagnosis and multimodal management.

Key Facts

Elbow dysplasia affects primarily large breeds and causes progressive, chronic joint pain from a young age
Early radiographic or CT screening allows surgical intervention before degenerative change advances
Arthroscopic fragment removal significantly improves pain outcomes when performed before 18 months
Long-term management combining NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and weight control substantially improves quality of life

Welfare Considerations

Elbow dysplasia causes lifelong chronic pain in affected dogs, often beginning in puppyhood. Breeding programmes that screen parents reduce the population burden, while early surgical intervention and committed long-term management offer individual dogs the best welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Screen large-breed puppies from high-risk breeds using vet-recommended elbow assessment
Support breed health surveys that track elbow dysplasia prevalence for informed breeding decisions
Ensure affected dogs receive multimodal pain management throughout their lives