You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Owners of dogs with elbow disease urged to submit their case records and XRays to a new screening scheme in the UK

In the UK the British Veterinary Association and the Kennel Club have launched a grading system based up on Guidelines drafted by the International Elbow Working Group to screen and identify dogs with Elbow Dysplasia.

Elbow "dysplasia" means abnormal development of the elbow joint. In dogs there are several developmental abnormalities which can occur and which form part of this disease syndrome including :

• Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)
• Ununited anconeal process
• Ununited (or fragmented) coronoid process

Ununited anconeal process (German Shepherd Dog)

Because genetic inheritance is thought to be an important factor, owners should not breed from affected dogs and prospective purchasers of a puppy in a breed known to have the condition should ask if the parents have had the disease  - and whether they have a good report  from the scheme.

Your veterinarian can provide you with more information on the Scheme - or Provet will be pleased to send you more information email info@provet.co.uk 

Updated October 2013