ELBOW DYSPLASIA
IMPORTANT NOTE — Anyone doing health testing on their dogue, with hips and elbows
being paramount, if the results are not satisfactory or if you are unsure, speak
to their veterinarian for advice and/or other experienced breeders (not just the
one YOU got the dog from). Get a wider opinion for breeding purposes, as it
could save a lot of heartache down the track.
To briefly explain what Elbow scoring is—The
term refers to Elbow Disease as a general term, to denote joint problems in
growing dogs and it includes ununited anconeal process (UAP), fragmented medial
coronoid process (FCP) and Osteochondrosis of the medial condyle of the humerus
(OCD). These are the three most important conditions although there are a
number of uncommon conditions included in the term.
Like Hips, scoring is done on a number of points within the elbow xray. The score is expressed as two numbers again eg. 0:1 But can only score 0, 1, 2 or 3. 0 being a nil or perfect score, 1 being a minimal, 2 being moderate and 3 being severe.
Again The LOWER the score the BETTER the elbow.
Elbow Dyspasia is not discussed as often as Hip Dysplasia but is just as important.
In a deep chested breed like the Dogue de Bordeaux, where most of their weight is carried over the front of their body. Elbow Dysplasia can mean a life of pain and discomfort for your dog and in some situations, dogs will have to be euthanized because their front legs are just unable to take their weight anymore as a result of the crippling elbow dysplasia. Apart from pain relief management joint replacement can be done on elbows but it comes at a cost of about $6000.
All owners and breeders are urged to place as much importance on Elbow Scoring as Hip Scoring. After all the dog does have FOUR legs.
ELBOW DYSPLASIA EXPLAINED—an article by Dr. RS Wyburn, of Australasian Veterinary Radiology Service.
http://www.bccnsw.com/elbow.html
Like Hips, scoring is done on a number of points within the elbow xray. The score is expressed as two numbers again eg. 0:1 But can only score 0, 1, 2 or 3. 0 being a nil or perfect score, 1 being a minimal, 2 being moderate and 3 being severe.
Again The LOWER the score the BETTER the elbow.
Elbow Dyspasia is not discussed as often as Hip Dysplasia but is just as important.
In a deep chested breed like the Dogue de Bordeaux, where most of their weight is carried over the front of their body. Elbow Dysplasia can mean a life of pain and discomfort for your dog and in some situations, dogs will have to be euthanized because their front legs are just unable to take their weight anymore as a result of the crippling elbow dysplasia. Apart from pain relief management joint replacement can be done on elbows but it comes at a cost of about $6000.
All owners and breeders are urged to place as much importance on Elbow Scoring as Hip Scoring. After all the dog does have FOUR legs.
ELBOW DYSPLASIA EXPLAINED—an article by Dr. RS Wyburn, of Australasian Veterinary Radiology Service.
http://www.bccnsw.com/elbow.html
Below are XRAYS of an excellent “Elbow dysplasia free” Dogue de Bordeaux
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COMMON QUESTIONS
What is a good Elbow score?
As with Hip Dysplasia, you want to breed with Dogues who are both low scored, as close to zero as possible.
A basic rule followed by many of the top breeders is to breed together Dogues who are as close to zero as possible.
Analysis of Elbow Score reports should also be undertaken before any breeding is contemplated.
If any UAP, FCP or OCD is found in the xrays of the Dogue then that dog should NOT be included in any breeding program.
You should always speak to your vet regarding an analysis of the xrays as well as speaking to your Scoring Professional for more information regarding the Elbow or Hip Report if you are unsure.
Link to AVA Hip/Elbow Displaysia information website.
http://avacms.eseries.hengesystems.com.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Hip_and_Elbow_Dysplasia_Analysis&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=6751
Or Australasian Veterinary Radiology Service , Dr. RS Wyburn, Western Australia
Email — [email protected]
As with Hip Dysplasia, you want to breed with Dogues who are both low scored, as close to zero as possible.
A basic rule followed by many of the top breeders is to breed together Dogues who are as close to zero as possible.
- Dogues with an Elbow score of 0 or 1 are fairly suitable to breed.
- Dogues with an Elbow score of 2 should ONLY be used with mates with an Elbow Score of 0.
- Dogues with an Elbow score of 3 are NOT advisable to be used in a breeding program.
Analysis of Elbow Score reports should also be undertaken before any breeding is contemplated.
If any UAP, FCP or OCD is found in the xrays of the Dogue then that dog should NOT be included in any breeding program.
You should always speak to your vet regarding an analysis of the xrays as well as speaking to your Scoring Professional for more information regarding the Elbow or Hip Report if you are unsure.
Link to AVA Hip/Elbow Displaysia information website.
http://avacms.eseries.hengesystems.com.au/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Hip_and_Elbow_Dysplasia_Analysis&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=6751
Or Australasian Veterinary Radiology Service , Dr. RS Wyburn, Western Australia
Email — [email protected]