Elbow Dysplasia (ED) describes the abnormal development of the elbow joint – the articulation between the humerus, ulna and radius, and the secondary changes which this causes.
While some external or environmental factors may contribute to the severity of the condition, the congenital component of ED is considered much higher than that of Hip Dysplasia.
Dogs over 1 year of age may be assessed by radiographic examination under the BVA/ KC scheme. (www.bva.co.uk). Results are published by the KC. 63 Lagotto Romagnolo have been examined and certified between August 2013 and December 2020 (highest score reported: 1).
The scoring system is much simpler than that of HD, being from 0 (normal) to 3 (severely affected), the highest scoring joint being applied. The BVA recommends breeding only from dogs with the best scores for the breed.
The condition has not been widely reported within the breed in the UK, potentially as a result of affected dogs being removed from breeding programmes due to clinical presentation. Social media postings however contain evidence of the condition occurring in UK Lagotto.