Elbow Dysplasia in Labradors

Labrador retrievers are genetically predisposed to develop elbow dysplasia, a condition that affects the elbow's ability to move correctly. Pet Education explains that the symptoms of elbow dysplasia, such as limping and lameness in the front legs, can show up in dogs as early as four months of age. This condition is lifelong and can lead to arthritis as the dog grows older. Several different medical conditions can cause elbow dysplasia.

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis (OCD) happens when the cartilage at the end of the bones does not turn to bone. This causes the cartilage layers to thicken and the cartilage at the bottom layers to die because of a lack of nutrition. The Northwest Labrador Retriever Club explains that this condition can turn into a degenerative joint disease called arthrosis. This condition can affect dogs in any joint that connects to a limb bone, but it mainly affects Labradors in the elbows and shoulder joints.

Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process (FCMP)

According to the Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care website, another condition that affects Labradors is fragmented medial coronoid process, or FCMP. In this type of elbow dysplasia, the medial coronoid process (a piece of bone at the bottom of the ulna) is either deformed or separates completely from the ulna. This makes it difficult for the joint to move smoothly, and it can cause pain and stiffness. It most often occurs in puppies between five and seven months old. As the dog ages, he will develop arthritis in his joints if the condition is left untreated.

Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP)

Ununited anconeal process, or UAP, is a form of elbow dysplasia that begins when the dog is between four and five months of age. Some dog breeds can develop the condition because of improper nutrition, but according to the Labbies website, medical research shows that Labradors most often inherit the condition from a parent. Pet Education explains that UAP occurs when the anconeal process bone does not fuse with the ulna. This causes the joints to become unstable.

Elbow Incongruity

According to Labbies, elbow incongruity happens when the radius and ulna grow at different speeds. This can causes extra pressure on the joints and can lead to other elbow conditions such as FCMP and UAP.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A vet can diagnose the conditions that cause elbow dysplasia by X-ray. The treatment depends upon the specific condition. Pet Education explains that osteochondrosis and FMCP are treatable medically and will usually not require surgery. The dog's weight is monitored, since obesity can aggravate the condition. Vets will often treat UAC surgically. Regardless of the form of treatment, however, the dog will most likely develop arthritis.

Breeding

Dr. Denis Marcellin-Little, the associate professor of orthopedic surgery at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, says that approximately one out of five Labrador retrievers has elbow dysplasia. Since this condition is genetic, the Labrador Club recommends spaying and neutering puppies that show the symptoms of this crippling disease so they don't pass the condition down to offspring.

References

• Northwest Labrador Retriever Club: Osteochondrosis
• Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Care: Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process (FCMP)
• Labbies: Growing Pains: Growth-Associated Bone Disorders in the Dog
• Pet Education: Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs and Puppies
• The Labrador Club: A New Diagnostic Tool for Elbow Dysplasia Promises Earlier Treatment