Laurie's Blogs.

When considering the functionality of a dog's joints, a common concern is whether full range of motion, particularly in and arthritic elbow, is necessary for a dog to lead a normal, active life. Elbow osteoarthritis often results in a loss of elbow flexion.  If the same were found in a human patient, we would work diligently to increase the flexion range of motion, since elbow flexion is important for full functioning in people (i.e. for eating, brushing teeth, or hair, and many other activities of daily living).  Is this the same in dogs?  Let's explore the mechanics of a dog's elbow joint, the impact of osteoarthritis, and the extent of flexion needed for everyday canine activities.

The Canine Elbow Joint

The elbow joint in dogs, similar to humans, is a complex hinge joint formed by the humerus, radius, and ulna. It allows for both flexion and extension, essential for various movements such as walking, running, and playing. However, the degree of flexion required for these activities in dogs may not be as extensive as one might think.

Elbow Osteoarthritis and Loss of Flexion

Elbow osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease in dogs, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced mobility. One of the primary symptoms is a decreased range of motion, particularly in flexion. A dog with elbow osteoarthritis may struggle to fully bend its elbow, resulting in a loss of flexion that might be as dramatic as a stoppage at 90 degrees. While this might seem detrimental, it’s important to assess the functional impact of this loss.

Functional Requirements: Is Full Flexion Necessary?

Most daily activities and essential movements for dogs do not require full elbow flexion. My observation over the years is that around 90 degrees of elbow flexion is often sufficient for a dog to perform the majority of its functional tasks. These tasks include:

•  Walking and Running: These activities primarily require a range of motion that allows the dog to bear weight and push off the ground. Even with limited flexion, dogs can still walk and run effectively.

•  Playing: Activities such as fetching or interacting with toys generally do not necessitate end range elbow flexion. Dogs can adapt their movements to accommodate their range of motion.

•  Eating and Drinking: Basic activities like bending down for food or water bowls are typically unaffected by a reduction in elbow flexion.

•  Grooming: Self-grooming behaviors, such as scratching, often rely more on rear limbs and the spine rather than extreme elbow flexion.

Adaptation and Management

Dogs are remarkably adaptable creatures. Even with conditions like elbow osteoarthritis, many dogs continue to lead active, fulfilling lives. Owners can support their pets by:

•  Providing Joint Supplements: Glucosamine and chondroitin can help maintain joint health and potentially slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

•  Implementing Weight Management: Keeping a dog at a healthy weight reduces stress on the joints, alleviating pain and improving mobility.

•  Engaging in Low-Impact Exercise: Swimming and controlled walking can help maintain muscle mass and joint function without exacerbating pain.

Conclusion

While full elbow flexion might seem crucial for optimal joint function, the reality is that most dogs do not need end range flexion to perform their daily activities and remain active. For dogs with elbow osteoarthritis, maintaining around 90 degrees of flexion is often sufficient for a high quality of life. Besides that, it is darned near impossible to regain lost flexion and it’s fairly uncomfortable on the dog to try to increase flexion ROM!  With proper management and care, dogs can adapt to their limitations and continue to thrive despite reduced elbow flexion. Pain management is of far greater importance than flexion ROM.  I would focus there instead.