Elbow Dysplasia (ED) is caused by abnormal development of the 3 bones that form the elbow joint (humerus, radius and ulna), leading to the bones not articulating properly. This leads to areas of abnormally high contact pressure bringing about a range of different problems.

Causes:

• Primarily genetic - breed predisposition (young, large and giant breeds)

• Allowing puppies repetitive access up and down stairs

• Over exercise

• Jumping too early as puppies e.g. in agility

• Obesity as a puppy

• Injury or trauma to the joint when the dog is still young (can affect all sizes of dogs)

*The most common age when signs are first seen is between 6-10 months of age, but some dogs only present as middle or older adults when they have advanced arthritis

Symptoms:

• Foreleg lameness, limp on one or both front legs (nodding of the head when the good leg is placed and lifting of the head when the bad leg is placed)

• Abduction of the elbow (out at the elbows)

• Standing ‘bow legged’

• Stiffness (especially after lying down)

• Flopping to the floor rather than a controlled down

• Reluctant to exercise/ jump out of car

• Paws of front limbs appear turned out

• Joint thickening/swelling

• Difficulty in navigating stairs

• Reduced range of motion

• In some instances, there are no clinical signs

How massage can help:

• Pain management

• Addresses protective muscle splinting and areas of overcompensation

• May improve range of motion depending on the severity of the elbow dysplasia

• Pain management when arthritis is present