• “Elbow Dysplasia” is often used to describe three separate conditions of the elbow joint:
• Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP)
• Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
• Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP)
• Young, intermediate to large breed dogs such as the Rottweiler, German Shepherd Dog, Bernese mountain dog, Golden retriever and Labrador retriever are most often affected.
• Involvement of both elbows is common.

• The exact cause of elbow dysplasia is not known, but many theories exist.
• Defects of the elbow bones lead to instability and inflammation of the elbow joint.
• Osteoarthritis, elbow pain and lameness are the end result of elbow dysplasia

• Foreleg lameness or, if both elbows are involved, generally abnormal gait. 
• Exercise intolerance and reluctance to exercise may also be noticed. 
• The elbow is often painful, thickened, swollen, or unable to be completely flexed

• Medical treatment with pain relievers, “joint formulas”, physical therapy, leash exercise, and weight control is usually recommended for dogs greater than 2 years of age.
• Surgical treatment is generally recommended dogs less than 2 years of age with minimal osteoarthritis.

Important Facts

• Dogs less than 2 years of age with minimal osteoarthritis are the best surgical candidates.
• Dogs greater than 2 years of age with mild to moderate DJD may also be surgical candidates, but expectations are limited regarding post-operative improvement. 
• Most moderately affected dogs, with or without surgery, are able to cope with the disease by having their weight and exercise controlled and periodic use of pain relievers.
• Regardless of the treatment, some arthritis will develop in the elbow.
• General anesthesia is utilized for the procedure 
• The faint scar remaining after surgery usually becomes covered with fur again.
• An overnight stay is required so discomfort can be controlled with injectable medication.

• Confirm the pre-operative diagnosis.
• Relieve pain associated with bone defects.
• Decrease the amount of arthritis which will inevitably develop in the elbow.
• Limit stress put on the opposite limb and other limbs and joints.

• OCD and FCP require a single incision on the inside of the elbow to remove the defects.
• UAP requires two incisions; one on the outside for the known defect and one on the inside to identify and remove other defects which are present as much as 80% of the time.
• Arthroscopic surgery has reportedly been used in older dogs to remove arthritis.  I do not advocate or perform this procedure. 
• Total Elbow Replacement may be available in the near future for older dogs with severe symptoms.  This procedure will require special training, equipment, and facilities. 

• The recuperative period typically lasts for a total of 6-8 weeks.
• Lameness is worse immediately following surgery and improves slowly over the following weeks.

• Initially, exercise is limited to walks to eliminate only.
• Skin sutures and a light bandage are removed 10-14 days after surgery.
• Leash exercise is gradually increased over the following weeks; swimming is also fine.
• Pain medication and antibiotics are administered for several days after surgery.
• No running, jumping or playing is permitted for at least 8 weeks following surgery.

• Most pets are permitted to resume normal activity several months after surgery.
• Some dogs have lameness after surgery which is controlled with medication. 
• In general, the younger the dog and the less arthritis present at the time of treatment, the better the prognosis.

• This typically includes examination, pre-anesthetic bloodwork, anesthesia, surgery, hospital care, post-operative medications, and two follow-up examinations.
• Please ask your veterinarian for a detailed surgical estimate for your pet.