What is the best treatment
for canine elbow dysplasia?
Elbow dysplasia research
Better treatments
Elbow dysplasia causes elbow pain and lameness in dogs. Although many treatments are available, the optimal treatment is unknown.
Elbow Dysplasia Research is a patient registry that compares how pets respond to the treatments currently offered. All treatment types are welcome, including no treatment, conservative therapies and surgical procedures.
Better outcomes
If you own a dog with forelimb lameness, your vet may invite you to answer a short online mobility questionnaire before treatment, 8 weeks after treatment begins, then every 6 months.
Your answers are scored and compared using a scientifically validated tool (LOAD).
Collaboration
Our shared goal is to determine the most effective solutions for elbow dysplasia, publish the data and provide these treatments for our patients. Data is stored securely and anonymised before publication.
Data collection
Firstly
At the first consultation for a patient with suspected elbow dysplasia, the owner completes the Initial Mobility Form. Answers are copied to the clinic.
If the vet diagnoses elbow dysplasia they start treatment and complete the Initial Treatment Form.
Follow up
In 8 weeks, 6 months, then every 6 months, the owner is emailed the Follow-up Mobility Form.
6 months after starting treatment, the vet is emailed the Follow-up Treatment Form. If surgery is performed on the contralateral limb, the vet completes a new Initial Treatment Form.
Results
LOAD scores and complication rates for each time point and treatment type are compared and reported.
This is a collaborative effort by veterinary surgeons, physios, nurses and pet lovers to help improve the lives of our canine companions. Thank you for your help.
