Summary: Elbow dysplasia is recognized by an abnormal conformation of the elbow joint, leading to a painful grinding of bone-on-bone between the ball and the socket of the joint. Arthritis, mobility issues, and swelling at the elbow are common symptoms seen in dogs with this condition.  In affected individuals, both surgery or supportive care may be viable options, as recommended by your veterinarian.

Screening: Available in the US through the OFA database which will evaluate each elbow individually through radiographs taken by your vet and assign a grade to each elbow. Elbows may be unaffected (“normal”), unilaterally affected, or bilaterally affected. Elbows can be evaluated at two years of age or older.

Inheritance: Polygenic (multiple genes involved - complex inheritance) Genetic with influences from environmental factors such as weight and nutrition.

Some Border Collie Breeders use this evaluation tool, but is not currently a required health test by the BCSA