Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia (ED) in dogs is a general term
used to identify hereditary diseases of the elbow. ED results in elbow arthritis which may be
associated with joint stiffness (reduced range of
motion) and lameness. 19 Boykin Spaniels are entered in
the OFA database as of Oct. 2005. Of those certifications, 1
Boykin is listed with Grade 1 elbow dysplasia. Not all dogs
with ED are lame, or in cases they may experience periodic
lameness. The onset of lameness may be gradual or sudden. The
degree of lameness may vary between soreness after rest, to more
mobility after "warming up" with light exercise, to a return of
lameness when participating in more extreme exercise. Dogs
with clinical ED typically develop foreleg lameness between the
ages of 5 and 12 months of age, however, in some cases the
lameness may not be apparent until as late as 5-7 years of age.
To diagnose ED, your veterinarian will do a physical exam
including walking and trotting the dog to grade the amount of
lameness and determine which legs are affected. They will flex
the elbow in a number of directions to determine the amount of
pain the dog is experiencing. X-rays and possible a CT scan will
be performed to examine the elbow joint's structure. ED has
multiple inherited etiologies which may occur singularly or in
combination.
These etiologies (types) include:
1. Fragmented medial coronoid process of the ulna (FCP). FCP tends to produce pain on elbow flexion with
inward rotation of the paw.
2. Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle
(OCD). OCD tends to produce pain on elbow flexion.
3. Ununited anconeal process
(UAP). UAP tends to produce pain on elbow extension.
The exact cause of elbow dysplasia is unknown, but it is
probably due to a combination of genetic factors, over-nutrition
with rapid growth, trauma and hormonal factors. The ability to
diagnose ED has improved over time. There is still a great deal
to be learned about its causes, prevention, and treatment. This
disease has created considerable confusion and controversy with
veterinarians, researchers and dog owners. Until the scientific
community has more definitive research results, Boykin Spaniel
breeders should be aware of this potential and screen their
breeding stock accordingly.
OFA CertificationFor elbow evaluations, there are no grades for a
radiographically normal elbow. The only grades involved
are for abnormal elbows with radiographic changes associated
with secondary degenerative joint disease. Like the hip
certification, the OFA will not certify a normal elbow until the
dog is 2 years of age.
Grade I Elbow Dysplasia
Minimal bone change along anconeal process of ulna
(less than 3mm)
Grade II Elbow Dysplasia
Additional bone proliferation along anconeal process (3-5
mm) and subchondral bone changes (trochlear notch
sclerosis).
Grade III Elbow Dysplasia
Well developed degenerative joint disease with bone
proliferation along anconeal process being greater than than
5 mm.
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