This
condition more commonly develops in the dog’s front limbs and causes painful
movement of the elbow.
Elbow
dysplasia is often caused by the following conditions:
-Osteochondritis dissecans a condition
where in a small piece of bone loosens and separates due to the lack of blood
supply in the joint region.
-Fragmentation of the coronoid process,
a condition where a crack or separation develops in the coronoid process. The
dog will experience a lot of pain in the joint.
-Ununited anconeal, a condition where
the anconeal (bone) fails to fuse with the ulna resulting in instability and
pain of the joint.
Symptoms of elbow dysplasia in dogs:
- Lameness of the front legs
- Abnormal gait
- Stiffness after resting – trouble getting up
- Reluctant to play or walk
- Swelling in the elbow
- Difficulty fully extending the elbows
Treatment of elbow dysplasia in dogs:
Both medical
and surgical methods may be used in the treatment of elbow dysplasia in dogs.
During surgery any loose bone fragments may be removed from the joint.
Anti-inflammatories
may be given to relive pressure and pain of the joint.
Elbow
replacement may be required in very severe cases especially if arthritis is
present.
To make
day to day movement more comfortable for the dog a prescribed diet from a vet
to help lose weight may be required. Losing weight will also help take excess
pressure of the joints.
Exercises
such walking, treadmill running and swimming is also recommended to help strengthen
and support the area around the affected joints.
Breeds affected by elbow dysplasia include:
American Bulldog
American Staffordshire Terrier
Bernese Mountain Dog
Black Russian Terrier
Bull Terrier
Chinese Shar-pei
Chow Chow
English Setter
English Springer Spaniel
German Shepherd
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Rottweiler
No comments:
Post a Comment