Elbow Dysplasia in Mastiffs
Elbow dysplasia is a degenerative joint disease common to mastiffs and other giant breeds. It's partly a genetic disease, partly related to management practices.
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Signs
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Signs often appear between the ages of 5 and 18 months. They may include front leg lameness which gets worse with exercise, pain and decreased range of motion. Dysplasia can affect one or both elbows, and signs can appear quickly.
Diagnosis
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Diagnosis is made with a thorough physical exam and radiographs. Radiographs may be sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for evaluation. The OFA grades the disease from I to III based on the extent of joint degeneration, with III being the most severe.
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Treatment
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Treatment options include medication, therapy and surgery. Decisions will depend on the degree of the damage to the joint, the age and condition of the mastiff and the owner's preference.
Rate of Occurrence in Mastiffs
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From January 1974 to December 2009, the OFA evaluated 5148 mastiffs for elbow dysplasia. Of those dogs, 84.7 percent were normal. Of the 14.9 percent affected by the disease, 9.7 percent were grade I, 3.6 percent were grade II, and 1.6 percent were grade III.
Prevention/Solution
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Avoid over-supplementing young mastiffs to help prevent elbow dysplasia. Careful breeding and sound management are key in helping to prevent elbow dysplasia in mastiffs. Regular exercise and proper diet can help by maintaining slow growth rates, healthy body weight and good muscle development.
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References
- Photo Credit baby english mastiff image by Joy Fera from Fotolia.com dog image by Piotr Markowski from Fotolia.com
