What do you know about canine elbow dysplasia?

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On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, and special guest David L. Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS (Small Animal), break down managing canine dysplasia with an emphasis on the importance of a multimodal approach. Throughout the episode, Dycus and Christman highlight treatment options, including new options, conservative management, and when a surgical intervention could be needed.

Below is a partial transcript

David L. Dycus, DVM, MS, CCRP, DACVS (Small Animal): Even before radiographs, I think you can get a lot of information on just your examination. Number one is listening to the pet owners on the history, because many times the dog may just get up and be stiff and sore, but then warm out of it and look totally normal, and that is not normal. A stiff puppy is not normal. So that's a big red flag. You know, these dogs aren't always just going to be head bobbing lame, and so you do need to watch them walk, and if it's a very mild lameness, you need to watch them trot, because you may miss it. But your exam can give you invaluable information.

The first thing I'm going to do is, I'm going to palpate and ask myself, 'Is there a fusion in the elbow', meaning we can feel the medial and lateral epicondyle. So I'm going to palpate just in front and just behind that to feel if it feels a little softer, if there's a little bit of effusion. The next thing I'm going to do is I'm going to elevate the leg and I'm going to hyper extend the elbow to see if there's discomfort. But then I'm going to try to flex the elbow. Now, in a young dog, elbow flexion is probably going to be normal, but they should be like a loose noodle. Puppy should be like loose noodle. So if you go to flex the elbow and there's some resistance and they're fighting you, that's a big red flag that there could be an issue.

Want to learn more on orthopedics from Dycus? He will be speaking at our upcoming conference, Fetch Kansas City! Join Dycus and the rest of our amazing faculty August 23-25, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri for 3 days of learning, networking, and fun. Register here today to secure your spot.