Elbow Dysplasia

The term elbow dysplasia refers to several conditions that affect the elbow joint; osteocondrosis of the medial humeral condyle, fragmented medial coronoid process, ununited anconeal process and incongruent elbow. More than one of these conditions may be present, and this disease often affects both front legs. This is a polygenic condition, although it is not currently known how many or which genes are responsible. Environmental factors such as over-feeding, which causes fast weight gain and growth , can also affect the development of this condition in dogs that are genetically predisposed to it. The KC/BVA ED Scheme involves x-rays on each elbow, and scoring 0, 1, 2 and the worst 3. The score is the highest one, not a combination of both scores as in hips. It is recommended that those who score 2 and over are not used for breeding. Another source advises dogs who produce the condition should not be used again. More information on the above conditions can be seen on www.upei.ca/cidd