Elbow Dysplasia Testing in Dogs: Breed Risks & Screening

Elbow dysplasia is a genetic disorder affecting the development of a dog's elbow joints, which can lead to pain, limited mobility, and an uneven gait. Early screening is essential, particularly for breeding dogs, to prevent this condition from being passed down to future litters.

While surgery may provide relief in certain cases, it can be expensive and not always a feasible path for every dog. This guide covers the diagnostic approaches, risk factors, and how to understand test results related to elbow dysplasia in dogs.

Understanding Elbow Dysplasia

This inherited skeletal condition is prevalent in large and giant dog breeds and remains the top cause of front limb lameness among them. The elbow joint is intricate, made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Puppies start life with healthy elbows, but as they mature, defects in bones and cartilage—referred to as primary lesions—may develop and worsen over time.

Symptoms typically manifest before dogs reach two years old, although in some giant breeds, signs may appear later. Dogs affected often have a noticeable uneven gait and may bob their heads while walking due to forelimb discomfort. The condition might impact one or both elbows; when both are affected, mobility is severely limited, and pain can be persistent. Lameness may only become evident following physical activity.

For a deeper dive into elbow dysplasia and treatment methods, check out this American Kennel Club article.

How Is Elbow Dysplasia Diagnosed?

Since elbow dysplasia is genetic, screening breeding candidates is vital to halt transmission. In the U.S., organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) play a key role in evaluating elbow health through certified radiographic screenings.

The standard testing involves veterinary X-rays of the dog's elbows, which specialists then score. Scores range from 0 (no signs) to 3 (severe dysplasia). If scores differ between elbows, the higher score determines breeding suitability. Dogs usually should be at least 24 months old for reliable assessment.

Owners need to have their veterinarian take proper radiographs and submit these for evaluation through the official channels like OFA. The OFA recommends breeding only dogs with score 0 to reduce elbow dysplasia prevalence in affected breeds.

Additional Diagnostic Approaches

Veterinarians may also perform physical exams to locate pain and assess limping. For more detailed insights, advanced imaging such as CT scans can be used, particularly when X-rays aren't definitive. Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique, allows direct visualization of the joint, aiding both diagnosis and sometimes treatment.

Breeds with Higher Risk of Elbow Dysplasia

Large breeds in the U.S. recognized as highly susceptible include the Rottweiler puppies, Great Dane puppies, and Golden Retriever puppies. Other commonly affected breeds are Labrador Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Newfoundlands, French Bulldogs, and Dachshunds.

For breed-specific health details and to verify screening recommendations, visit the OFA elbow dysplasia page.

Who Should Undergo Testing?

Testing is recommended primarily for adult breeding stock rather than puppies, as signs may not be visible until after two years. Both the male and female dogs should ideally have clear elbows (score 0) before being bred to lower genetic risk for offspring.

Details on costs, risk evaluation, and official U.S. screening procedures can be found on the OFA website and through various breed clubs collaborating with them.

The Importance of Ethical Breeding

Elbow dysplasia causes chronic pain that can impair a dog’s overall well-being. Responsible breeders rely on testing results to avoid mating dogs that show signs or have borderline scores. This approach helps steadily decrease incidence of the condition and improves overall breed health.

If you’re looking to welcome a dog into your home, seek out reputable breeders who follow these health screening protocols, including elbow evaluations when relevant. This helps reduce the chance of hereditary joint issues and supports ethical breeding practices in the U.S.

You can find puppies from such responsible breeders who actively test for inherited conditions.