Owners may notice their dogs become lame in forelimb. Generally one leg can appear worse than other. In most cases both front legs are affected. There can often be swelling of joint and dogs usually exhibit pain on range of motion.

The most common treatment available is Arthroscopic surgery. Dogs owners who elect to have surgery generally have a better overall prognosis which an excellent chance of returning to normal function. Prognosis for each dog will vary depending upon severity of disease. Post operative care is also an important factor in success of surgery. After surgery cage rest is highly recommended for around 4 to 6 weeks, this means dog must spend most of its time in cage and only be allowed out for short walks and always on a lead. The dog must not be allowed to play, it must have complete rest and stay off his elbow to aid recovery.

Dogs who have suffered with elbow dysplasia may later in their life develop some degree of degenerative joint disease, which is simply a form of arthritis.

If you have a pup that will not heed to command “come,” do not chance them. This will only make your puppy runaway farther. Instead, when they look at you, call their name and immediately you run away from them. Soon they will be chasing you and will associate command “come” as intended. They will come to you.

Remember this always, a puppy should only be scolded when they are caught in act of doing something they should not be doing. Never scold a puppy when you have not caught them in act. Use command “shame” when looking at evidence but do not look at dog when vocalizing this. Over time, they will associate command “shame” with your disapproval mood. They may never associate it to their act unless you catch them in it. Leave it at that. No other scolding will help, in fact it will do just opposite. It will make puppy loose trust in you rather than want to correct their error because they do not associate act with your mood and commands.

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