Elbow dysplasia is a common developmental joint disease in large breed dogs causing chronic pain and reduced quality of life, but welfare impacts can be mitigated with early intervention.
Chronic pain from elbow dysplasia significantly reduces quality of life if unmanaged. Key welfare priorities include early diagnosis using screening radiographs, appropriate surgical treatment where indicated, long-term pain management with NSAIDs, and weight control to reduce joint loading. Breeding programmes that screen for elbow dysplasia help reduce incidence.