Bad elbows - the other dysplasia.

Most people know what hip dysplasia is, but elbow dysplasia is also quite common, although often asymptomatic. Many dogs compensate for the structural fault in the joints by developing good musculature. This is one reason it's really important to keep dogs (and people) lean and well exercised. In some dogs, ED can be crippling and without corrective surgery they probably should be put down if it's severe.
If you look at the photo above, you will see that Cooper's front feet turn out a little. He has elbow dysplasia - UAP in both, FCP in the left elbow. Slightly rotated feet are a common indicator of unsound elbows.
This is the most comprehensive and clear article I have ever found on ED.

Cooper started limping at about 9 months of age. The ED was diagnosed by my vet a couple of months later (at first we thought it was a sprain; ED can be tricky to detect.) We were referred to an ortho specialist, and finally to MSU vet school for further exams and to discuss surgery. Yikes!
Well, this whole process took several months, and by the time he was 14 months old the limping had all but stopped. ED doesn't "cure" itself - the joint will always be somewhat deformed - but many factors (including probably luck) can determine
He wasn't overweight, but I slimmed him down even more. Under all that fur he is really very lean and muscular.
He has been on glucosamine/chrondritin/MSM since the initial diagnosis. He also gets fish oil; among many benefits it's highly touted as being good for joint health.
He gets lots of exercise and I get him into water as much as possible.
Considering his speed and athleticism in agility, at 5 years and 9 months old, he is doing awfully well!

One other thing that may contribute, especially in male dogs:
Later neutering, or not neutering at all. Male hormones play a large part in development of strong bones and dogs neutered early (before long bone growth has stopped between 12-18 months old) may have significantly higher rates of bone cancer and joint problems. The down-side of early neutering is not generally discussed, of course because advocates are more concerned with stemming the tide of unwanted animals, and quite rightly so. However if I have any say in the matter, future dogs of mine will be neutered late, or not at all. Cooper was neutered at 17 months old, and the late neutering may well have played a role in the improvement.




Cooper says water exercise is just the best!!