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It is a set of pathologies linked to the elbow joints, which tend to develop osteoarthritis and cause pain and lameness, although many dogs are asymptomatic. It is a hereditary malformation, although with an environmental component, with some incidence in the Estrela Mountain Dog. Care for its prevention should be the same as for hip dysplasia. The Portuguese Association of Veterinary Doctors Specialized in Companion Animals has established a pathology control program, which recommends screening tests from twelve months onwards.

Cão da Serra da Estrela a ser radiografado

What is
elbow dysplasia?

radiografia de cotovelo esquerdo de Cão da Serra da Estrela
Radiografia de cotovelo esquerdo de Cão da Serra da Estrela

Method of diagnosis

The conventional method is a set of x-rays taken from 12 months onwards, under general anesthesia. The classification can be 0 (normal elbows), 1 (mild dysplasia), 2 (moderate dysplasia) or 3 (severe dysplasia).

X-rays of the left elbow of an Estrela Mountain Dog, with classification 0 (normal elbows).

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