OFA Genetic Databases - Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is a general term used to identify an inherited polygenic disease in the elbow of dogs. Three specific etiologies make up this disease and they can occur independently or in conjunction with one another. The most common etiology is fragmented medial coronoid of the ulna. The clinical signs involve lameness which may remain subtle for long periods of time. No one can predict what age lameness will occur in a dog due to a large number of genetic and environmental factors such as degree of severity of changes, rate of weight gain, amount of exercise, etc.
Affected dogs are frequently lame or have an abnormal gait.
Range of motion in the elbow is also decreased. An increased width of greater than two fingers is usually present in dogs with elbow dysplasia. Frequently, there is bilateral disease. References Read RA, Osteochondrosis and Elbow Arthrosis in Young Dogs, Incidence, Diagnosis and Management. Read RA et al.