UK Barbet breeders of healthy, happy, Barbet puppies
Abnormal development of the elbow joint.
Around 18 months to 2 years of age.
Genetic – a genetic abnormality or fault in the development of the joint. The joint does not develop normally.
Non-Genetic – caused by trauma, injury, over exercise, excess weight.
Depending on the abnormality you may see arthritis, pain, lameness, stiffness, swelling, outward rotation of the paws, reduced range of motion. ED usually affects both elbows.
Usually between 5 and 10 months of age. Adults can develop signs of osteoarthritis.
An x ray is taken of the dog’s joint, and any abnormalities or changes in the joint are given points based on the scale below.
For Elbow Dysplasia, a grade is given for each elbow, the overall grade is determined by the higher of the two individual grades.
There is no difference in scoring systems between panels, so there is no comparison chart for elbows. A dog will be given one of the following grades:
0 = Radiographically normal
1 = Mild osteoarthritis
2 = Moderate or a primary lesion with no osteoarthritis
3 = Sever OA or primary lesion with osteoarthritis
The minimum age is 1 year.
The scoring is simply an assessment of the joint to give a result based on changes to the elbow. It does not provide the reason for any abnormalities or changes. A dog that has genetic ED will show a score above 0, just as a dog who has ED due to trauma will.
The elbow score of each individual dog should be considered along with other breeding criteria as part of a responsible breeding program (ref. KC 2020). A dog with a score of 1 could be considered if the other results are excellent, providing that the breeding partner has a score of 0.
* Diagnosis of ED is based upon the presence of one the four types of abnormal development that may appear in the canine’s elbow:
Fragmented coronoid process – A small or large fragment of the bone breaks off and moves around inside of the elbow joint
Osteochondritis dissecans – OCD of the elbow usually occurs in young dogs, who show signs of lameness in one or both limbs
Growth rate incongruity – The radius bone and ulna bone grow at different rates
Ununited anconeal process – A bone outgrowth within the elbow becomes detached and causes irritation and degeneration
* Usually bilateral – this means both elbows are affected.
* Some breeds have a higher incidence of left sided ED in instances where it does not affect both elbows.
* ED is genetic. Heritability is usually expressed. This means there are almost always clinical symptoms.
* Treatment of ED is almost exclusively surgery. Non-invasive treatments are only effective as additional aids to surgery.
* A normal ED score in parents is not a guarantee that puppies will not develop ED.