Learn More about Dog Elbow Dysplasia Braces

A sad fact of life is that pets get sick, just like we do. One of the more common, and much dreaded, illnesses a dog can develop is Dysplasia. This term refers to the presence of growth abnormalities in your dog’s cells, tissues, and/or bones. Dysplasia can occur in any area of the body, but in dogs it is quite common in the elbow.

Do you suspect your dog may be suffering from Elbow Dysplasia? As these developmental abnormalities worsen over time, it leads to the degeneration and malformation of your dog’s elbow joints. Not all affected dogs will show signs when young as is commonly thought. In fact, a sudden (acute) episode of elbow lameness due to advanced degenerative joint disease in older dogs is common. As a result, many dogs who suffer from this tend to avoid physical activity, leading to atrophied muscles and weight gain. These cause further health problems and a shorter life expectancy. Be on the lookout for:

1. Intermittent or persistent forelimb lameness that is aggravated by exercise, progresses from stiffness, and noticed only after the dog has been resting.
2. Pain when he or she extends or flexes their elbow.
3. your dog may hold the affected limb away from the body.
4. there is fluid build-up in the joint.
5. Grating of bone and joint with movement may be detected with advanced degenerative joint disease.
6. Diminished range of motion.

Elbow Dysplasia is the most common cause of elbow pain and lameness, and one of the most common causes of forelimb lameness in large and giant-breed dogs. Surgery is out of the question often, either because of the dog’s advanced age, the price of the surgery, or many others reasons. Unfortunately, this is a lifelong condition and as a pet owner, your primary goal is to make your pet as comfortable as possible. In a situation like this, the answer is a dog elbow Dysplasia brace.

There are custom elbow pads for dogs so your furry friend can have the exact style, size, and support that is needed. If you don’t want the brace to stand out, you can purchase one in his or her fur color, but there are other flashy options like rainbow stripes and camouflage as well. Have fun with it, knowing your dog will feel much better and enjoy a healthier life with their new brace.

Weston Barnes is a write and an avid reader. When he's not writing about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships, he's immersed in his latest book.