Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs

Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs is a condition that is caused when the elbow joint is abnormally developed during your bulldog puppy’s growing phase. In newborn bulldog puppies, many bones are not actually one long bone, but consist of many pieces of bone surrounded by a cartilage.

As your bulldog puppy grows to an adult bulldog, the cartilage changes into bone, and the pieces fuse together, along with the surrounding bone fragments, to create and form one long, fluid bone. When this process does not work as it should, elbow dysplasia can occur which leads to an elbow joint that is out of alignment, usually resulting in chronic pain, swelling, limping, and arthritis.

ELOBW DYSPLASIA is the most common bulldog and French bulldog front legs limping

Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs CAUSE: 

1. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is an abnormality of the humeral condyle cartilage and formation of the bone underneath, which can be extremely painful for your dog.
2. Fragmentation Defects where the bone begins to break-up into smaller pieces and degenerate can also be a factor.

• • Ununited Anconeal Process (UAP) is a developmental defect whereby the anconeal process should have fused with the ulna, but instead does not properly attach and floats nearby, causing the joint to be unstable and preventing proper interaction of the humerus and ulna bones.
  • Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP) is a developmental defect of the ulnar coronoid processes. The coronids are two small areas on the articulation part of the ulna within the elbow joint. If this area does not fuse with the rest of the ulna, it will once again lead to pain and joint instability

Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs MAINTENANCE:

Keep your bulldog puppy’s weight under control and don’t overdo the caloric, protein, and calcium content.

Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs RULE OF THUMB:

Elbow dysplasia in bulldog puppies, and most dog breeds, happens during the growing period of the bones (5-11 months) and usually will manifest as a limp in their front legs.

Dr. Kraemer’s V4B Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs TIPS & WARNINGS:

Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Tip #1 GATE: If you notice a problem with your bulldog puppy’s gait or the favoring of a leg over a protracted period of time, you should take your dog to your veterinarian and ask for x-rays to be taken.

Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Tip SUPPLEMENTS #2:  For orthopedic problems in bulldogs, such as Hip dysplasia, Anterior Cruciate Tears (ACL tear), and Medial Patella Luxation (MPL), in addition to weight control of your bulldog puppy, I also recommend joint supplements like my V4B Bulldog  Total Joint Health, as well as essential fatty acids, like my V4B Bulldog Fish Oil Omega-3 .

Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Tip #3 RX: In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend medications for pain and inflammation such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs).

Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Tip#4 NON-RX ALTERNATIVES: I now also offer a few new, non-pharmaceutical, therapeutic alternative modalities such as Stem Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Cryobanking, as well as Cold Laser Therapy and Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF).

Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Warning #1 SURGERY: Elbow dysplasia in bulldog puppies, and pets in general, can be extremely debilitating. Unfortunately, there is no satisfactory surgical procedure that can significantly alter the progression of the disorder, nor cure it.

Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Warning #2 GENETICS & BREEDING: The cause of elbow dysplasia in bulldog puppies is multifactorial, to include genetics, growth rate, and nutrition, as well as trauma. Therefore, when buying a bulldog puppy, it helps to know whether the parents had evidence of elbow dysplasia.

Responsible breeding will reduce the incidence of the disease.

Elbow Dysplasia in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Warning #3 DIET: High protein, high calcium, and high-calorie diets have been cited as possible reasons for elbow dysplasia in bulldog puppies. Obviously, not all puppies on such diets get elbow problems. If your bulldog puppy seems to be growing too fast, it may be advisable to change the diet after consultation with your veterinarian.

An Ounce of PRVENTION Is Worth a Pound of CURE