Elbow & Hip Dysplasia
Developmental Joint Disease

What is elbow dysplasia?

Elbow dysplasia is a term to describe several conditions that affect how the elbow joint fits together and moves.

These conditions cause the elbow joint to be painful and inflamed, causing limping in young dogs. In many cases it can restrict movement and cause arthritis to develop early in life.

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The common types are:

• Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), where a small piece of bone around the joint breaks off and become loose in the joint. 

• Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP), where part of the elbow joint doesn't fuse properly and allows a piece of bone to move around. 

• Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD), where a defect in the cartilage of the joint allows a piece to break away and float inside the joint. 

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What is hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joints don't fit together well at the pelvis. This means the hip joints are unstable, causing pain and inflammation. Hip dysplasia can vary in severity, with some severe cases causing limping in puppies, and mild cases causing early arthritis in adults. 

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How are elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia diagnosed?

An examination will show sore elbows or hips when moved, or restriction of movement. The elbow joints are often swollen. The muscles on the sore leg might be shrunken compared to the other limbs. 

X-rays of the joints will show how the bones fit together, and whether there are cartilage defects. We can also see other changes from the inflammation and arthritis.

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How do you treat elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia?

Seeing a specialist vet for CT scans and surgery can make a big difference in their limping.

We can also treat their pain with anti-inflammatory medications or other pain relief, and give joint supplements or joint-specific diets.

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What can I do at home if my dog has elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia?

Keeping their weight managed so they aren't overweight will reduce how hard their joints need to work and help them move more easily. 

Some gentle exercise is good for keeping joints moving comfortably. Regular gentle walks (not high paced running or jumping) can keep their muscles working and strong to support weakened joints.

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Think your dog has elbow or hip dysplasia?​​

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