If you're considering breeding your dog or have recently purchased a puppy, you may have heard about elbow scoring. This important health screening helps identify elbow dysplasia, a complex inherited condition that affects the elbow joint's development. Understanding what elbow scores mean can help you make informed decisions about your dog's health and future care.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and The Kennel Club operate the official Elbow Dysplasia Scheme in the UK, using X-rays to assess elbow joint health and provide standardised grades. This screening serves dual purposes: enabling early preventative care for individual dogs and helping breeders make responsible breeding decisions to reduce elbow dysplasia in future generations.
Whether you're a prospective dog owner, current pet parent, or considering breeding, knowing about elbow scoring can help you better understand your dog's joint health needs and what steps you can take to support their mobility throughout their life.
Which Joint Support Works Best for Elbow Dysplasia?
When your dog has received an elbow score or been diagnosed with elbow dysplasia, supporting their joint health becomes a priority alongside veterinary care. MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max is our daily soft chew supplement designed to support dogs with joint concerns.
With so many joint supplements available, we've compared MedPaw against five popular alternatives to help you understand what each formula offers for dogs managing elbow conditions.
Key joint actives in the UK's leading dog joint supplements
| Ingredient | MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max | NutraPaw Joint Support | YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max | Seraquin Joint | Synoquin EFA | Nutraquin+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key joint actives | 6 of 6 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 6 (+1 via mussel) | 2 of 6 | 2 of 6 | 3 of 6 |
| Glucosamine | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Chondroitin | ✓ | ✗ | Via mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| MSM | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Green-lipped mussel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hyaluronic acid | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Boswellia | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Omega-3 | Mussel, flax | Mussel | Mussel, fish oil | ✗ | Krill oil | ✗ |
| Turmeric | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Collagen | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Antioxidants | Vit C, Vit E, zinc | Manganese | Vit C, Vit E, manganese | ✗ | Vit C, zinc | Vit C, zinc |
| Format | Soft chew | Tablet | Tablet | Chewable tablet | Tablet or capsule | Capsule |
| Guarantee | 60 days | 90 days | 6 weeks | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
✓ = included, ✗ = not listed. Key joint actives: glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia. Taken from each manufacturer's published information, September 2026.
The comparison reveals that MedPaw is the only supplement of the six to include all six key joint actives. For dogs with elbow dysplasia, this comprehensive approach matters because the condition affects multiple aspects of joint function, from cartilage health to inflammation control.
The soft chew format can be particularly helpful for dogs already managing discomfort, as it's easier to give than tablets or capsules. Our 60-day money-back guarantee also provides reassurance when you're investing in long-term joint support for your dog's elbow health.
View MedPaw Hip & Joint Chews Max Complete joint support designed to work alongside your vet's treatment plan.
What Is Elbow Dysplasia?
Elbow dysplasia is a developmental condition where the elbow joint doesn't form correctly during growth. The elbow is a complex joint made up of several different components, and problems can affect various areas including cartilage growth and surrounding structures.
Even small changes in one part of the joint can significantly impact your dog's comfort, movement and overall wellbeing. The condition is described as a "complex inherited disorder" because multiple genes control it, and environmental factors such as diet, exercise and conditions before birth also play a role.
Each dog inherits a mixture of genetic variants that influence joint development. This makes it very difficult to predict whether any individual dog will develop elbow problems, even when both parents have excellent elbow scores. As affected dogs age, the joint undergoes wear and tear, leading to varying degrees of discomfort, stiffness and mobility issues.
Common Types of Elbow Problems
The most frequent primary disorders include osteochondrosis (OCD), fragmentation of the coronoid process (FCP), and ununited anconeal process (UAP). These conditions affect different parts of the elbow joint and can occur individually or in combination.
Understanding these technical terms isn't essential for most dog owners, but knowing that elbow dysplasia encompasses several different problems helps explain why the condition can vary so much between affected dogs.
Which Dogs Are at Risk?
Elbow dysplasia can affect any dog, regardless of whether they're pedigree, crossbred or mixed breed. However, the condition is generally more common in larger breeds due to their size and growth patterns.
Breeds commonly affected by elbow dysplasia
The condition affects dogs across many different breeds because of its complex inheritance pattern. Even dogs whose parents and relatives have excellent elbow grades may still develop problems, reflecting the multifactorial nature of the disease.
If you own one of the commonly affected breeds, this doesn't mean your dog will definitely develop elbow problems. However, it does highlight the importance of being aware of the condition and monitoring your dog's mobility as they grow and age.
The Elbow Scoring Process
Elbow scoring involves a systematic veterinary assessment using X-rays to evaluate joint health. The process requires specific conditions to ensure accurate results and meaningful comparisons between dogs.
Eligibility Requirements
Before having your dog screened, several requirements must be met. Your dog must be at least one year old, as the elbow joint needs to be sufficiently mature for accurate assessment. They must also be permanently identified by a microchip for proper record-keeping.
If your dog is registered with The Kennel Club, you'll need their registration certificate available. The X-rays must be taken under anaesthesia or heavy sedation to ensure your dog remains completely still for accurate positioning.
The X-ray Procedure
The screening involves taking carefully positioned X-rays of both elbow joints. Your vet will use anaesthesia or heavy sedation, which means your dog may need to stay at the veterinary practice for a short time.
The procedure is generally very safe in healthy dogs. Elbow X-rays can be taken at the same time as hip dysplasia screening, which can be more convenient and cost-effective if you're planning both assessments.
Assessment and Grading
Once X-rays are taken, your vet submits them through the online portal to the BVA scheme. The images undergo quality control checks before assessment by expert veterinary surgeons called "scrutineers" who work in pairs to evaluate each dog's elbows.
These scrutineers are veterinary surgeons with advanced qualifications in veterinary radiology or orthopaedics, with extensive experience in assessing joint X-rays. They score thousands of X-rays annually, ensuring consistency and expertise in the grading process.
Understanding Elbow Grades
The elbow scoring system uses grades from 0 to 3, with each elbow receiving an individual assessment. The overall grade for your dog is determined by the higher of the two individual elbow scores.
Elbow dysplasia grading system
Radiographically Normal
No signs of dysplasia visible on X-rays. This is the ideal grade for breeding dogs.
Mild Changes
Mild osteoarthritis present. May not cause obvious symptoms but indicates joint changes.
Moderate Changes
Moderate osteoarthritis or a primary lesion without arthritis. Likely to affect mobility over time.
Severe Changes
Severe osteoarthritis or primary lesion with arthritis. Significant impact on comfort and movement.
For example, if one elbow scores 0 and the other scores 1, your dog's overall elbow grade is 1. This system ensures that any problems detected in either elbow are properly reflected in the final assessment.
It's important to understand that these grades represent what's visible on X-rays at the time of assessment. Some dogs with higher grades may show few symptoms, whilst others with lower grades might experience more noticeable effects as they age.
Breeding Recommendations
The BVA recommends only breeding from dogs with an elbow grade of 0. This strict recommendation reflects the serious nature of elbow dysplasia and the importance of reducing its occurrence in future generations.
However, responsible breeding involves balancing elbow scores with other crucial factors including temperament, genetic diversity, conformation, other health test results, and the general health of both parents. In some breeds where very few dogs achieve grade 0, breeders may need to consider dogs with grade 1 elbows to maintain genetic diversity, though this should be done carefully with veterinary guidance.
Estimated Breeding Values
For commonly graded breeds, The Kennel Club produces Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) that provide a more accurate assessment of genetic risk than using elbow scores alone. EBVs analyse a dog's family history and health data to estimate the types of genes a dog carries and might pass to offspring.
These values help breeders make more informed decisions by considering the broader genetic picture rather than just individual test results. EBVs are particularly valuable when planning matings between dogs with different health test results.
Costs and Timeframes
A single submission to the Elbow Scheme starts from £82.50 including VAT, plus additional veterinary costs for the X-ray and anaesthesia, which vary between practices. There's a reduced fee when X-rays are submitted simultaneously for both hip and elbow dysplasia schemes.
The BVA provides a one-week turnaround following payment for online submissions. Results are sent back to your vet and then passed to you. For dogs registered with The Kennel Club, results are also published on their website through the Health Test Results Finder.
Recognising Signs of Elbow Problems
Many dogs with elbow dysplasia show no obvious symptoms until later in life, potentially after they've already been used for breeding. However, being aware of potential signs can help you seek veterinary advice early.
Signs that may indicate elbow problems
| Early Signs | Progressive Signs | Advanced Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Subtle stiffness after rest | Lameness after exercise | Persistent limping |
| Reluctance to play roughly | Difficulty getting up | Visible swelling around elbow |
| Slight changes in gait | Reduced exercise tolerance | Pain when elbow is touched |
| Less enthusiasm for walks | Stiffness lasting longer | Significant movement changes |
For guidance only, not a diagnosis.
You should speak to your vet if you notice any of these signs, particularly in young dogs or breeds known to be at risk. Early intervention can help manage the condition and support your dog's quality of life.
Some dogs may show intermittent lameness that seems to improve with rest, whilst others might develop a subtle change in their movement pattern that becomes more noticeable over time. If your vet suggests a "wait and see" approach, it's important to understand what this means and when to seek further advice.
Supporting Dogs with Elbow Problems
Elbow dysplasia cannot be reversed, but it can be managed effectively with the right approach. The key is working with your vet to develop a comprehensive management plan tailored to your dog's specific needs and the severity of their condition.
Management Strategies
Weight management plays a crucial role in reducing stress on affected joints. Maintaining your dog at an optimal weight can significantly reduce the load on their elbows and slow the progression of joint changes.
Controlled exercise programmes help maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility without overloading the affected joints. Your vet can advise on appropriate exercise types and duration based on your dog's individual needs.
Many owners find that joint supplements designed as complementary feeds can support their dog's mobility alongside veterinary care. Products like MedPaw's hip and joint supplement contain key joint actives including glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, green-lipped mussel, hyaluronic acid and Boswellia serrata, plus omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins.
Veterinary Treatment Options
Your vet may prescribe pain relief medication to help manage discomfort and improve your dog's quality of life. In severe cases, surgical options including elbow replacement may be considered, though this is typically reserved for dogs with significant functional impairment.
Regular veterinary monitoring allows for adjustments to the management plan as your dog ages and their needs change. Early intervention and consistent management can help many dogs with elbow dysplasia maintain good mobility and comfort throughout their lives. In complex cases, your vet may recommend referral to an orthopaedic specialist for advanced treatment options.
The Future of Elbow Health
The elbow scoring scheme has proven effective in reducing the incidence of joint problems across many breeds. Responsible breeders increasingly use health testing as part of their breeding programmes, and puppy buyers are becoming more aware of the importance of asking to see relevant health test results for both parents.
While breeding from dogs with good elbow grades reduces disease incidence, it doesn't eliminate it completely due to the complex nature of inheritance. However, the scheme provides valuable data that, when used properly, helps improve breed health over time whilst maintaining genetic diversity.
Understanding elbow scores empowers both breeders and pet owners to make informed decisions that contribute to better canine health and welfare. Whether you're planning to breed, looking for a puppy, or simply want to understand your dog's health better, elbow scoring provides valuable insights into joint health that can guide care decisions throughout your dog's life.
What does an elbow score of 1 mean for my dog's future health?
An elbow score of 1 indicates mild osteoarthritis is present in your dog's elbow joint. Whilst this may not cause obvious symptoms now, it suggests joint changes that could affect mobility over time. Your vet can help develop a management plan including weight control, appropriate exercise and potentially joint supplements to support your dog's comfort and mobility as they age.
Should I still buy a puppy if one parent has an elbow grade of 1?
The BVA recommends breeding only from dogs with grade 0 elbows, but responsible breeding involves balancing multiple factors including genetic diversity and other health tests. If considering a puppy from parents with grade 1 elbows, ask the breeder about Estimated Breeding Values if available, other health testing, and the overall health history of the bloodline.
How much does elbow scoring cost and how long do results take?
Elbow scoring starts from £82.50 including VAT for the BVA assessment, plus your vet's costs for X-rays and anaesthesia which vary between practices. There's often a reduced fee when combining with hip scoring. Results typically take one week from online submission and are sent to your vet, then passed to you.
Can joint supplements help dogs with elbow dysplasia?
Joint supplements designed as complementary feeds may help support mobility and comfort alongside veterinary care, but they cannot treat or cure elbow dysplasia. Products containing ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3 fatty acids are commonly used to support joint health. Always speak to your vet about the best management approach for your dog's specific condition.
My dog is limping after exercise - could this be elbow dysplasia?
Lameness after exercise can be a sign of elbow problems, particularly in larger breeds or dogs at higher risk. However, many conditions can cause limping, so it's important to speak to your vet for proper examination and diagnosis. They can assess whether elbow scoring or other investigations might be appropriate for your dog.
