Canine elbow dysplasia (CED) is a developmental orthopedic disease that affects the bones and joints in a dog’s elbow. It is thought to be caused by abnormal growth or development of the bones and joint cartilage in the elbow, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and lameness. While CED can occur in any dog breed, it is prevalent in larger breeds like German Shepherds. It is the most common cause of front leg lameness in larger breeds. And although there is no cure for CED, several treatment options can help reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for dogs affected by the condition.
In this blog post, we’ll break down Canine Elbow Dysplasia (CED) and give you some tips on keeping your older German Shepherd with CED as comfortable as possible.
(Our Miss Brandi was diagnosed with Elbow Dysplasia in 2018)
What Causes Elbow Dysplasia In Older German Shepherds?
According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), CED is a multi-factorial disease involving multiple developmental abnormalities of the elbow joint. It is also believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors can contribute to CED, leading to arthritis and other joint problems.
What Are The Signs Of CED In Older German Shepherds?
Pain
Stiffness
Lameness
Trouble using the elbow(s)
Unnatural gait
Unwillingness or inability to exercise or walk
Plopping down to lay
Trouble shifting position
Whining and or panting
Elbows pointing in toward the body as opposed to pointing straight back
How Is CED Diagnosed?
Your trusted veterinarian will perform a physical examination on your dog, including watching your fur friend walk, manipulating the elbow, doing blood work (to rule out anything else), and taking X-Rays. You may also be referred to an orthopedic veterinarian for further testing.
Treatment For CED:
Treatment for elbow dysplasia depends on the severity. Typically, mild cases may include pain management, such as an NSAD or cortisone, and therapy, such as hydrotherapy, while more severe cases may call for surgery and rehabilitation. Early diagnosis is essential for the best possible outcome.
Prognosis For Older German Shepherds With CED:
There is no cure for CED, so the goal of treatment is to slow the progression of the disease to keep your fur friend as comfortable for as long as possible, which is a realistic goal if caught and treated early.
The signs of canine elbow dysplasia can be evident in older German Shepherds. Still, we should also be mindful that some of our dogs put on a “good front” even when in pain, so paying attention and keeping them comfortable as they age is essential.
I will leave you with some tools we employ for our older German Shepherds with CED.
Keep them at an ideal weight
Short, frequent walks, doing only what they can do
Hydrotherapy and massage
High-quality orthopedic dog beds such as Big Barker Dog beds
Heated dog mats that go on top of the beds
NO STAIRS (or very few)
No jumping, especially in and out of vehicles
Area rugs to avoid slippage and impact of walking
Veterinarian-approved pain management
Supplements such as Omega 3s, Glucosamine Chondroitin, and collagen
Turmeric
To check out some of our preferred products, click on the link here:
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To listen to the #Lifewitholddogs® podcast that coincides with this blog post, click on the link:
***** Disclaimer: Throughout the “20 Most Common Health Issues in Senior German Shepherds” series, each blog post is expressed explicitly from our point of view and is not to be substituted for the professional medical expertise of your trusted veterinarian.
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