Dog Elbow Dysplasia can be an inherited disease which usually affects medium and larger breeds of dog.

Usually both elbows are affected by dysplasia, there can be varying degrees of elbow mis-shape, and bony fragments in and around the joint, which will lead to severe arthritic damage. Elbow dysplasia describes generalized osteoarthritis (arthritis) of the elbow joint.

Clinically, the symptoms range from occasional lameness in some dogs to severe, crippling disease in others.

The elbow joint is made up of three bones; radius, ulna, and humerus which must all grow together and fit perfectly. The radius is the main weight bearing bone. The ulna connects the extensor muscles of the elbow joint.

When these bones do not fit together well, there is a step between the radius and ulna which can cause pain and lameness in your dog.

Fragments of bone can enter the joint and cracks to the main bones can occur.

Joint fluid entering through fissures and cracks in the cartilage causes marked pain. The fragments are a constant irritant, causing more pain, more severe lameness, and more rapid progression of arthritis.

Secondary arthritis can become evident as young as six to seven months of age.

Clinical Signs:

Affected dogs are frequently lame or have an abnormal gait. The gait is often characterized by excessive flipping of the front feet, your dog may either hold the elbows out or tucked in and often stands with the feet rotated outward.

Some dogs sit or lie down much of the time or play for shorter periods of time than other dogs of similar age. You may think your dog is quiet or even lazy. Often, they are stiff when getting up and get tired easily and exercise often makes the lameness worse. In dogs with bilateral (both elbows) dysplasia, the lameness may seem intermittent or shift from one front leg to the other.

When both front legs hurt, dogs do not limp all the time, they will often shift weight off their elbows by altering their gait and stance. These dogs will only limp when one elbow is more painful than the other.

When being examined by a vet, manipulation of the elbow is often resisted because it will be painful for the dog. The joints may be swollen, and swelling may be worse after exercise. Often the joint will be thickened and muscles reduced in size.

Breeds Affected:

Dog breeds commonly susceptible to Elbow Dysplasia are: Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Springer Spaniel, St. Bernard, Mastiff, Australian Shepherd, Chow Chow, Shar-Pei, Shetland Sheepdog, also some Terrier breeds.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of elbow dysplasia is made from a combination of clinical signs, examination of the joints, and x-rays, which will show damage to the joint and increased bone density of the ulnar notch. Arthritis is often present and can be mild to severe.

Treatment:

Treatment of elbow dysplasia often requires a combination of medical and surgical treatment. In advanced cases surgical removal of the fragments is recommended before the development of severe arthritis occurs. Medical therapy consists of weight control, moderate exercise, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Natural therapy:

Scientific studies have proven that Deer Velvet Antler supplements show significant improvement in all forms of canine dysplasia, and relief from arthritis symptoms.

A Clinical Evaluation of Velvet Antler for Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Dogs

In this university conducted study Deer Antler Velvet was evaluated on a group of dogs with osteoarthrorsis in a clinical double blind and placebo-controlled study.

One group of dogs received a placebo for 30 days then Deer Antler Velvet for 60 days.

The second group received Deer Antler Velvet for 60 days. During the study a force plate measured gait analysis and an orthopaedic surgeon assessed clinical signs.

The performances in daily life activities and vitality was assessed by the dog owners and complete blood analysis’s were obtained at day 0, after 30 days of placebo and after 60 days of Deer Antler Velvet supplement.

The study found that, of the first group of dogs none showed any improvement on the placebo for 30 days but after being on Deer Antler Velvet their gait, their performances in daily life activities and their vitality were significantly improved.

The second group that had only Deer Antler Velvet showed similar improvements.

Overall the study found the administration of Deer Antler Velvet was effective in alleviating arthritic conditions in dogs.

Dogs with mild to moderate incongruity and minimal arthritis have the best prognosis.

We recommend that every new dog owner starts their puppy on New Zealand Deer Velvet Agility as early as possible in their life to build healthy joints and to prevent the early onset of arthritis.

Elbow dysplasia can be a crippling disorder . . . the best results are achieved with early intervention, and proven, natural, Deer Velvet supplements.