Elbow Dysplasia: What is it and how can physiotherapy help?

By Coral Lewis

Elbow dysplasia is an umbrella term for several abnormalities in a dog's elbow joint that commonly affects larger breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds.

The term 'dysplasia' means to develop abnormally or incorrectly. The elbow joint is made up of three bones: the humerus, radius, and ulna; for the joint to function properly, these bones must fit together seamlessly.

Elbow dysplasia occurs when the bones and cartilage that make up the elbow have not formed correctly- this leads to disease of due to increased pressure on certain areas of the joint. There are four main abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia; Fragmented coronoid process (FCP) and ununited anconeal process (UAP) which both involve small sections of bone becoming detached from the joint due to uneven pressure, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) which occurs when the cartilage does not develop fully and can cause a painful flap of cartilage to occur in the joint, and medial compartment disease which is the loss of cartilage in the joint.

Dogs with elbow dysplasia may exhibit a variety of symptoms which will vary as the condition progresses. It may start as reluctance to play, run or climb stairs and limping or stiffness may be noted, especially after exercise. Swelling of the elbow joint and more severe stiffness may be seen as the condition progresses.

A gait assessment is essential when assessing for elbow dysplasia

Treatment for elbow dysplasia depends on the severity of the condition and the specific abnormalities present. In mild cases, conservative management, including weight control, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint supplements, may be sufficient to manage symptoms. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove bone fragments or realign the joint.

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy is becoming increasingly recognized as an essential component in the treatment of dogs with elbow dysplasia. The goals of physiotherapy are to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, and enhance the dog’s overall function and quality of life. These goals are achieved through several factors:

1. Pain Management

Pain relief is a primary goal in managing elbow dysplasia, and physiotherapy offers several non-invasive options for pain management. Techniques such as laser therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the affected joint. Additionally, manual therapies such as massage and joint mobilisations can also contribute to pain reduction by relieving muscle tension around the joint.

2. Improving Joint Mobility

Joint stiffness is a common issue in dogs with elbow dysplasia, particularly as the condition progresses. Physiotherapy can help maintain or improve the range of motion in the elbow joint through passive range of motion (PROM) exercises. These exercises involve gently moving the joint through its full range of motion without the dog actively participating, which helps to prevent stiffness and maintain joint flexibility.

3. Muscle Strengthening

Balance and strength training can help improve elbow dysplsia.

Strong muscles around the elbow joint are essential for providing support and stability. Physiotherapists use a variety of exercises to strengthen the muscles in the front limbs and shoulders. These may include controlled walks on an incline and decline, balance exercises using wobble boards, and specific resistance exercises tailored to the dog's condition and capabilities. Strengthening these muscles can help reduce the strain on the elbow joint, thus minimizing pain and slowing the progression of arthritis.

4. Weight Management

Excess weight can exacerbate the symptoms of elbow dysplasia by placing additional stress on the joints. Alongside other therapies, your physiotherapist will prescribe a suitable exercise program to help the dog achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This is critical in managing elbow dysplasia, as reducing the load on the joints can significantly improve the dog’s comfort and mobility.

5. Adjustments to lifestyle and the home environment

Beyond the face-to-face time with your therapist, physiotherapy aims to improve the overall functionality and quality of life for dogs with elbow dysplasia at home. Your physiotherapist will work with you to make adaptations to improve your dog's comfort- this could be as simple as raising food bowls off the floor and providing ramps or steps to reduce strain on the elbow joint. The ultimate goal is to enable the dog to lead a more active and comfortable life.

Elbow dysplasia is a challenging condition that can significantly impact a dog’s quality of life, especially as they age. However, with early diagnosis, appropriate medical intervention, and the inclusion of physiotherapy in the treatment plan, many dogs continue to enjoy a good quality of life. Physiotherapy not only helps in managing pain and improving mobility but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall well-being of dogs with elbow dysplasia.

To find out more give us a call on 07779003359, or drop us an email info@huntshillphysio.co.uk