Introduction
The elbow dysplasia is a common disease affecting dogs, particularly large breeds. The condition usually develops in young, growing dogs and progresses throughout their lives, causing pain, lameness and degenerative changes in the elbow joint. The origins of elbow dysplasia lie in multifactorialbut the main factor remains genetic genetic. This article explains the main types of elbow dysplasia, diagnostic methods and treatment options available to general veterinarians.
Types of Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia can take many forms, affecting the joint at different levels. Here are the most common conditions:
- Non-union of the anconeal process The anconeal process does not fuse properly with the rest of the ulna during growth.
- Fragmentation of the medial coronoid process (FPCM) A small portion of the coronoid process fractures, causing inflammation and pain.
- Joint incongruence The ulna and radius are not the same length, resulting in joint instability.
These conditions can appear individually or in combination in the same dog, aggravating symptoms and disease progression.
Predisposed breeds
Certain breeds of dog are more likely to develop elbow dysplasia due to their size and genetic predisposition. Breeds most affected include :
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Mastiff
- Rottweiler
- Saint-Bernard
- Bernese Mountain Dog
Symptoms of Elbow Dysplasia
Dogs with elbow dysplasia generally present the following symptoms:
- Lameness More marked after exercise or on rising, lameness can worsen over time.
- Joint pain Inflammation caused by joint degeneration leads to pain during movement.
- Reduced range of motion Elbow mobility is reduced by progressive damage to the joint.
- Exercise intolerance Over time, dogs may become incapable of prolonged physical activity or even regular walks.
Symptoms can appear as early as 5 months of age, but some symptoms only become visible later, between the ages of 2 and 5.
Diagnosis of Elbow Dysplasia
Visit diagnosis is based on several tests, including :
- Clinical examination Clinical examination: Identification of lameness and elbow pain.
- X-rays Used to visualize bone anomalies such as non-union of the anconeal process.
- Arthroscopy or CT scan To confirm the presence of fragmentation of the coronoid process or joint incongruence.
These techniques enable a precise diagnosis to be made and the extent of lesions to be determined.
Processing options
Treatment of elbow dysplasia depends on the severity of the lesions. The main treatment options are as follows:
Fragmentation of the medial coronoid process (FPCM)
Arthroscopy is generally recommended to remove the bone fragment and improve joint comfort. This helps to reduce inflammation and delay the progression of osteoarthritis. Medical treatment, including anti-inflammatories and physiotherapyIn addition to these treatments, other therapies are used to slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Non-union of the anconé process
In dogs under 10 months of age, surgical surgical fixation of the anconeal process, combined with ulnar osteotomy to correct incongruence, is recommended. In cases of advanced dysplasia with severe osteoarthrosis, the ununited anconeal process is removed to relieve pain.
Joint incongruence
A ulnar osteotomy corrects radio-ulnar incongruence by adjusting the length of the ulna in relation to the radius.
Post-operative management and prognosis
After surgery, a period of rest is necessary, usually with leash walks and wound care. The physiotherapy plays a key role in improving mobility, strengthening muscles and limiting joint ankylosis.
The prognosis varies according to the dog’s age and the severity of the lesions. Dogs treated early generally have a better prognosis, with a marked reduction in lameness and improved joint comfort.
Conclusion
The elbow dysplasia is a complex joint disease that requires early management and accurate diagnosis to offer canine patients a better quality of life. General veterinarians should be alert to symptoms in predisposed breeds, and consider advanced diagnostic techniques such as arthroscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Surgical options and medical treatments can significantly improve comfort and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
