What causes elbow dysplasia in dogs?

[@VetLessons]

This guide was created to raise money for Humane Society International’s Ukraine appeal - www.hsi.org/issues/aid-for-animals-ukraine

[@petarpolajnar7050]

Perfect

[@adanhorta7687]

Hi, very informative video. Do you know if there have been studies to try to prevent elbow dysplasia through bracing, diet, exercise, or other interventions in puppies?

[@VetLessons]

Hi Adan. There are several studies assessing the effect (or lack of effect) of diet, exercise and neutering on joint dysplasias. You can find literature reviews here: www.vetlessons.com/risk You won't find studies on braces for puppies. For elbow dysplasia specifically, it's so implausible that braces could reduce risk that the ethical concerns of bracing a growing puppy would far outweigh any potential benefit. I hope this helps.

[@adanhorta7687]

@@VetLessons Super helpful. So puppies who are not overweight are more likely to have better dysplasia outcomes. Interesting that you believe that braces would provide implausible risk reduction. Human babies with developmental dysplasias use the Pavlik harness with some efficacy

[@VetLessons]

@@adanhorta7687 This is 100% true but you asked about elbow dysplasia, which is a morphologically and developmentally completely different problem.

[@adanhorta7687]

@@VetLessons thank you!!

[@VetLessons]

Breed improvement programmes - www.vetlessons.com/risk/genetics

[@Whowouldthought]

Is it true walking dog at peace grass/pavement and some ball fetch for up to 2h per walk will cause joint problems? Have young Golden Retriver and was told by other owners of that breed she gets to much of walking (1 h morning up to 2h afternoon and 30-40 min on lead toilet break at evening ) and will impact her joinst and cause an arthritis or dyplasia. Do I harm my dog by giving her freedom and enjoying her life at full?

[@VetLessons]

Hi Joanna. There's a pop[ular trend for people to offer veterinary advice based on their own personal beliefs rather than science. Habitual exercise has been studied and there's no association between it and developmental or degenerative joint diseases. Here's an article I wrote about this subject: www.vetlessons.com/risk/exercise

[@Whowouldthought]

@@VetLessons that is great news I have read the article and made me feel much better as was worried I overworked her as a pup and maybe now she will have problems. I followed my intuition dogs meant to run and walk and I glad I have not cut her freedom on walks.

[@donnagibson9613]

Yes

[@VetLessons]

Canine hip dysplasia guides - www.vetlessons.com/hip-dysplasia

[@VetLessons]

Canine ACL (CCL) injury guides- www.vetlessons.com/acl

[@VetLessons]

Canine elbow dysplasia guides - www.vetlessons.com/elbow-dysplasia