Features

• Elbow dysplasia occurs when the three bones of the elbow joint do not grow together. The ulna, the radius and the humerus need to fit together to ensure smooth functioning of the limb and good support for the dog's weight. When a dog has elbow dysplasia, the edge of the ulna lies above the connecting portion of the radius, causing the joint to be off-kilter.
  
  

Time Frame

• A dog who is affected by elbow dysplasia will start to show pain between 4 and 6 months of age, according to the Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital. This is a result of a malformation of the dog's developing bones, and depending on the severity of the condition, the dog may end up with inconstant pain or a severe, crippling condition.
  
  

Signs

• A dog who has elbow dysplasia will first evidence it through an abnormal gait or through limping. The dog may stand with its feet rotated outward, and hold its elbows splayed out or tucked in close to its body. This condition can cause a dog sit or lie down more often than dogs of a similar age, and exercise will cause these symptoms to worsen. In dogs that have elbow dysplasia in both elbows, there is no limp present unless one elbow is significantly worse than the other. The dog may also show swelling in the affected elbow.
  
  

Identification

• There are several ways that a veterinarian will diagnose elbow dysplasia. He will first look at the signs physically evident in the dog, and he will palpitate its joints to determine swelling or obvious malformation. X-rays can be used to diagnose elbow dysplasia. A CT scan, where multiple X-rays are taken from several different angles to produce a cross-sectional image, may also be used.
  
  

Treatment

• The treatment of elbow dysplasia usually involves a combination of surgery and medication, with the primary goals being to relieve pain and to maintain the dog's normal activity level. Surgery can be used to correct the underlying bone structure, while medication can reduce the pain the dog feels. While the progress of elbow dysplasia can be improved, it cannot be permanently corrected. A regimen of moderate exercise, diet control and anti-inflammatory medication is recommended to keep the progression of the disease as limited as possible.