Elbow dysplasia is a generalized incongruency of the elbow joint in young, large, rapidly growing dogs that is related to abnormal bone growth, joint stresses, or cartilage development. One or more of the following lesions may be present in the joint: an ununited anconeal process of the ulna, fragmentation of the medial coronoid process of the ulna, and osteochondrosis of the medial aspect of the humeral condyle. Radiographic grading of dysplastic elbow joints is being performed by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals in the USA and is Scandinavian and European kennel clubs.

Clinical signs may be apparent in both elbow joints. Affected animals are lame and have swollen, painful elbow joints and muscle atrophy. In chronic degenerative conditions, joint crepitation and a reduced range of motion may be apparent.

Early surgical treatment is recommended before degenerative joint disease develops. For fragmentation of the medial coronoid process, a medial arthrotomy or arthroscopy is performed and the fragmented process removed. For ununited anconeal process, either a lateral arthrotomy is performed and the ununited process removed, or a midshaft ulnar osteotomy is performed to relieve asynchronous growth and result in union of the cartilage formation. Prognosis after surgery is good if degenerative joint disease has not developed in the joint. Aspirin or carprofen can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. Joint fluid modifiers (glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic aid) may be useful.