Kennel DeeStaff - Oplysning om Engelsk Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Most dog owners know the disease, hip dysplasia, which causes lame concerns among especially the larger breeds, but elbow dysplasia is among many breeds, a frequent cause of lameness than hip dysplasia. The reasons that a dog develops elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis can be much different. Many studies have shown a high degree of heredity for the development of elbow dysplasia and thus osteoarthritis.

Elbow joint is a complex framework that consists of several different bone parts. During your puppy's growth phase preferably grow and evolve with the same speed. At the same time length growth of the two forearms bones also effects elbow joint.

If the bone parts in the elbow joint does not develop harmoniously, joint surfaces are irregular and it is possible that it causes looseness in the joint. Articular cartilage becomes thickened and can form cracks and fissures in articular cartilage. In some cases, parts of the thickened cartilage become a loose bruskflap or "joinmaus".

The growth of the two forearm bones can in all dogs cause problems when the ulnar have only one growthline, while the coil leg has two. Therefore, the growth rate of the two bones differ, and even a slight difference in length will give a wrong move in the elbow joint. This is painful for the dog and will also result in destruction of joint surfaces. So elbow dysplasia is a generic term for various disorders involving defects developing elbow joint bones.

Symptoms may develop very early in the 4-5 months of age. The dog's movements are stiff with short steps, especially after rest or vigorous exercise. The dog may have difficulty getting up or lie down, and be reluctant to do certain movements eg. climbing stairs or jump out or into the car. In the early course will the puppy / junior, when resting, keep the elbow on the affected leg inwards turned against the body and paws turned out. The dog sits down frequently, for example during play to relieve the legs.

It is often very difficult for the owner to recognize lame unit because dysplasia often develops in both legs (and possibly also the shoulder joint). A true lameness is not seen until later (maybe several years) when developing osteoarthritis in the joints. When the disorder becomes more chronic, the joints become thicker and dog guardians themselves by getting elbow bent together or get stretched out. The dog may already be in an age of developing a debilitating osteoarthritis. Are both elbows affected in the severe, it can also be when the dog develops osteoarthritis, be difficult to see lame device. A clear symptom may be the dog when it stands still, constantly shifting emphasis from foreleg to foreleg, the dog is "trippin".

The diagnosis made by a clinical examination and an X-ray photography of both elbow joints. Treatment will often be medical, with painkillers at times. Cartilage-building and cartilage protective agents will often alleviate the symptoms significantly. Loose "joinmaus" can be removed by surgery but surgery in the elbow joint often has a reserved prognosis. Observed soreness or stiffness in the elbow joints of a puppy and young dog is very important to keep the dog at ease, airing on a leash, small game, no jumping, etc.

Preventing elbow dysplasia will because of the high heritability, especially be to exclude dogs with elbow dysplasia from breeding, but elbow dysplasia can also be developed, or made worse by excessive exercise of puppy / junior and over feeding during the growing season (overweight). Keep control of your dog's weight and give the dog smooth and regular exercise.