Diagnosis of Front Leg Elbow Dysplasia (ED) in Rottweiler Puppies

Fragmented Coronoid Process of the Ulna (FCP)

This diagnosis section pertains specifically and only to Rottweiler, puppies that already display some level of lameness or leg deformity (abnormality).

The Rottweiler breed is at risk and more prone to orthopedic issues than other breeds, and therefore it is very important that any early sign of possible elbow dysplasia be taken seriously.  An evaluation should be done by a good orthopedic veterinarian, and a detailed and conclusive diagnosis be performed using an x-ray or CT scan. These scans might not be included in the first course of action for leg issues in other breeds, but the Rottweiler breed is different due the high risk of lameness and other orthopedic issues.

Given my first hand experience and the evidence provided by others:

• Conservative estimate is that more then 55% of Rottweilers suffer from some level of elbow dysplasia, with lameness or not (as DJD - Degenerative Joint Disease). So most likely you will be correct thinking you puppy has Elbow Dysplasia. 

• The most common cause of limping on front legs in Rottweiler puppies is elbow dysplasia in the form of FCP.

• It is best if you can see the early signs of Elbow Dysplasia before the limping starts, so you can get early diagnosis and treatment possibly leading to a better outcome.  

• Elbow dysplasia will not go away like Pano (Panosteitis). Damage, that is not really reversible, is being done with every step the dog is taking (rest will hide the problem).

• If your Rottweiler puppy is limping, the odds are that you will have a better outcome the sooner you invest in getting a proper diagnosis and taking the necessary steps. so don't delay treatment. 
  

You will save time and money by working hard to find a truly good doctor who will also perform the surgery (veterinary orthopedic specialist who is also a surgeon and a good person). Now when looking back, I can say that in a classic case such as with my puppy, the first orthopedic specialist we saw was exceptionally expensive but experienced, he knew what the problem is the minute we walked in. Therefore, in my case, only an x-ray was sufficient before the surgery (We did a CT scan any way, which was unnecessary expense). 

Most good specialists relying only on x-ray, it is less expensive than a CT scan and will be sufficient for a good experienced veterinary orthopedic specialist.  CT scan is double the x-ray cost.

If you pay for consultation with an x-ray or CT scan and the problem ends up being a Pano (Panosteitis) or just a small cut at the paw that you did not see, you should be very happy, because Panosteitis will soon go away and a cut will heal--your puppy will be normal. so don't delay.

If the dog is dear to you, you should do all you can as soon as possible to determine if the problem is elbow dysplasia. You will be happy you did because the earlier you treat elbow dysplasia, the greater the likelihood that your investment of time, money and concern will result in a good outcome. 

Note: When I say "limping", it is also refers to an abnormal walking gait. In some cases you may just notice some abnormal walking.

Warning Signs of Elbow Dysplasia (ED)

1. Bad breeding practices (if you find ancestry at the OFA database with the disease, or absent of records, or observing front leg abnormality at parents). But it all start in How To Choose Your Rottweiler Breeder. 

2. Duck legs and extra large paws (pointing outward, “east-west” feet). (check the pictures page)

3. Front leg shaking when at rest in relaxed sitting position.

4. Puppy may growl or show some discomfort when touched at shoulder area down to elbow (remember, a puppy at this age will make his best effort to hide this weakness from his leader)*.

5. Puppy may whimper from discomfort (*if you are lucky and the puppy is with you 24/7 like mine was with me, you will notice it).

6. A bulge may appear at the side of the elbow (before or after the limping starts), due to increased amount of joint fluid or swelling. This bulge is the extended joint capsule. check the pictures page.  (The dog may show signs of discomfort with palpation of the bulge at the elbow).

7. And finally the actual limping, that may come and go.

Short summary:

• If you see symptoms of possible elbow dysplasia and your puppy is not yet limping, put the puppy on rest restriction and treat it to your best practical and financial ability.

• If the puppy is already showing signs of limping and is dear to you, then act as if it is elbow dysplasia. Find  a good veterinary orthopedic specialist who can perform the surgery.

• I think that most general veterinarians will not refer you to a veterinary orthopedic specialist on the first visit, which can waste valuable time with a limping Rottweiler. Ask specifically for a referral to veterinary orthopedic specialist and don’t delay.

• Remember that if the problem is elbow dysplasia, rest can easily hide the problem which will come back as the puppy gets older