Elbow dysplasia is the second most common hereditary musculoskeletal disease after hip dysplasia. It is most common in large dogs.
Description of elbow dysplasia
The essence of elbow dysplasia is that the articular surfaces of the arm bone and two forearm bones that make up the elbow joint do not fit together properly.
As a result, tension is created in some places (due to the too tight fit) and instability in other places (due to the too loose fit) in the dysplastic elbow joint. As a result of fitting errors, cartilage separations(anconeus and coronoid separation), cartilage degeneration (osteochondrosis dissecans), degenerative joint disease accompanied by cartilage wear and cartilage deposits, and arthrosis occur in the elbow joint.
The mild form of elbow dysplasia is characterized by mild elbow arthrosis. Severe elbow dysplasia is characterized by detachment of the cartilage of the elbow joint (anconeus or coronoid detachment, elbow OCD), a high degree of elbow joint incongruence (elbow joint step), and severe elbow arthrosis.
Grades of elbow dysplasia
Similar to hip dysplasia is also distinguished:
- From a breeding point of view, a dog with dysplasia
(a dog that carries and inherits the disease, has an inappropriate joint structure (can be confirmed by X-ray), but is asymptomatic and does not need medical treatment) - Clinically dysplasic dog
(a dog that carries and inherits the disease, has an inappropriate joint structure (can be confirmed by X-ray), has a movement disorder due to the disease, is lame, and needs treatment)
From the breeder’s point of view, a dog with mild elbow dysplasia may even live its life without lameness, but it inherits the disease.
Screening and treatment of elbow dysplasia
Preliminary screening for elbow dysplasia is performed at six to seven months, and final screening after one year of age. It is important to know that lameness in puppies (5-9 months of age) can be caused by elbow dysplasia. If puppy elbow dysplasia is not caught early and surgery is not performed in time, it can have irreversible consequences for the dog’s later life and movement.
All puppy lameness should be thoroughly investigated (by X-ray) and immediate action taken in case of severe dysplasia.
A sign of elbow dysplasia in puppyhood is recurrent lameness in the forelegs, which may improve with painkillers but does not disappear completely.
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In addition, swelling of the elbow joints is also noticeable. If these symptoms are noticed, consult a veterinarian immediately. Elbow dysplasia in old age is characterised by recurrent lameness after rest. The elbow joint of a dog with elbow dysplasia is swollen, and stretching and bending is restricted or painful. X-rays may show cartilage detachments, cartilage tears and cartilage rim cavities. Surgery is always recommended for severe elbow dysplasia at a young age. For elderly elbow dysplasia, medication and possibly surgery are recommended. It is important to note that for severe elderly elbow arthrosis not operated on at a young age. There are no good surgical solutions, and medication is the only option.
Similar to feeding, and moving the dog correctly, and with the right food supplement the chance of developing dysplasia and the aggravation of existing symptoms can be greatly reduced!
K9 FullFlex™
Food supplement rich in anti-cartilage wear substances, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and chondroitin sulfate.
K9 FullFlex™ contains, in addition to the immune-boosting medicinal mushrooms (K9 Immunity™) contained in it, a large amount of high-quality natural substances specifically designed to regenerate and keep joints (connective tissues, cartilage and joints) healthy.
Areas of application
K9 FullFlex
- For large, fast-growing dog breeds, from a young age, to nourish and protect the bones, cartilage, and tendons, and to improve the general ability to move.
- To alleviate the effects of increased physical stress on the joints and connective tissues of racing and working dogs.
- For breeders, for the healthy development of the skeletal system (maintenance) of the individuals that most closely carry the breed traits.
- In aging dogs, to preserve the elasticity and strength of the connective tissues, to delay natural wear and tear, and to preserve the dogs’ mobility.
- For the additional treatment of injury and inflammation of connective tissues (bones, cartilage, joints, etc.), as well as various orthopedic surgical interventions, to shorten the regeneration period and to reduce pain.
- Inappropriate housing and feeding, diseases due to ageing or diseases specific to the breed (arthritis, osteoarthritis, various types of dysplasia, etc.) prevention, treatment and alleviation of symptoms.
Main ingredients of K9 FullFlex™ (4000 mg chewable tablet)
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250 mg
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It helps to maintain the health of joints, cartilages and tendons, helping them to regenerate and preventing further damage by maintaining and lubricating them.
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Calcium carbonate
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200 mg
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A compound used to replace calcium, which is essential for the health of bones and joints. This breast relieves inflammation.
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200 mg
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Chondroitin sulphate is a major constituent of cartilage tissue due to its excellent water-binding capacity. Its water-binding capacity ensures the mechanical-elastic properties of cartilage.
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(with Beta 1.3-1.6 glucan content)
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185 mg
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An immune-boosting ingredient containing medicinal mushrooms concentrates that, in addition to its general immune-boosting effects, accelerates the rebuilding process and provides the body with protection to prevent cartilage wear and tear.
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185 mg
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Thanks to its antioxidant action, it helps protect cells and supports the immune system. It slows down the ageing of cells, helps protect the body’s connective tissue fibres, inhibits wrinkling and preserves the skin’s water content. Its production decreases with age and external supplementation is recommended.
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Protein obtained from hydrolyzed eggshell membrane (ESM)
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100 mg
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If either, it is one of the key active ingredients in K9 FullFlex™. It is produced by hydrolysis from a thin rubbery membrane on the inner wall of the eggshell for improved bioavailability. This protein solution has unique properties that make it one of the most important ingredients in the product, responsible for healthy joints. Among other things, the high ESM content (100 mg per wafer) distinguishes K9 FullFlex™ from similar products.
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Turmeric
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90 mg
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Turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a popular ingredient in joint care products, but its antioxidant content and immune-boosting effects are not negligible.
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| Boswellia serrata extract |
70 mg
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It is a natural NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) pain reliever. It acts on the same receptors as morphine, making it an immediate, long-lasting and powerful pain reliever. And it’s completely safe!
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Bovine (milk) immune protein concentrate Colostrum
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25 mg
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Piper nigrum
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10 mg
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It can help reduce joint inflammation and muscle stiffness.
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As well as
Calcium propionate, linseed, glycerin, lecithin, arrowroot, rosemary extract, vegetable oils, flavouring.
Contains eggs and milk!
