General information

Elbow Dysplasia, shortened "ED". The term dysplasia refers to a developmental defect, where abnormal cells appear in a particular type of tissue or organ. And while hip dysplasia tends to get the headlines for canine orthopedic health, elbow dysplasia can be equally debilitating. Elbow dysplasia is the second-most common cause of elbow lameness in dogs. The first is osteoarthritis, which can be associated with elbow dysplasia. Elbow dysplasia can significantly impact quality of life and is characterised by pain, lameness, reduced range of motion and reluctance to exercise. While elbow dysplasia cannot be cured, it can be sometimes managed. With surgery and / or the appropriate medical management, some dogs have a sufficient long-term prognosis.

Clinical symptoms

Not wanting to be active or exercise. Behavioral changes; Elbow dysplasia in dogs can lead to significant pain-related aggression, often causing sudden behavioral changes like snapping / snarling, which may not necessarily be directed at the painful area.</li> Difficulty standing up or getting up and down. Walking in an unusual way. Limping or lameness. Showing pain, such as whining or licking/biting at their front legs or paws. A reduced range of movement of the front feet. Stiffness. It is important to remember that we talk about probabilities. A grade is just a grade. It is also possible for a dog with an not perfect grade to live a completely normal life. Please note that symptoms may differ from those mentioned above.

Inheritance & morbidity

Grade		Affect	Percentage
0 - normal/clear		482/560	86%
1 - Mild dysplasia		48/560	9%
2 - Moderate dysplasia		18/560	3%
3 - Severe dysplasia		12/560	2%

Data from Finnish Kennel Club - Tibetan Terriers evaluated 2015-2025.

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