Hip and Elbow Dysplasia in Labradors

A limp after a long game of fetch can be more than tiredness. Hip and elbow dysplasia are joint problems seen mostly in large dogs, and the Labrador is named in the research on both [2][3][4]. Here's the short version. For anything more, see a licensed vet.

What is hip and elbow dysplasia?

• Hip dysplasia: the hip joint develops loose and unstable. Over time this leads to joint wear and osteoarthritis [1].
• Elbow dysplasia: a related problem in the elbow of young, fast-growing dogs. It's one of the most common causes of elbow arthritis in dogs [2].

Are Labradors prone to it?

Yes, it's a known risk in the breed:

• Merck's Veterinary Manual names the Labrador among breeds prone to elbow dysplasia [2].
• In a study of 15,742 dogs from four large breeds, body weight and loose hips were risk factors for hip joint disease in Labradors too [3].
• A UK study looked at 25,243 hip X-ray scores from Labradors. On a scale of 0 to 106, where lower is better, the average was 13.22 and the middle score was 10 [4].

No source we used gives a single "percentage of Labradors affected", so we don't quote one.

How does a dog get it?

It's not an infection, and it doesn't spread between dogs. It comes from a mix of [1][2][4]:

• Genes: many genes play a part. In Labradors, about a third of the difference in hip scores comes down to genes [4].
• Growth: how fast a puppy grows [1].
• Puppy life: nutrition and exercise while growing [1].

Did you know? Labrador hip scores slowly improved for dogs born between 1996 and 2006. The researchers credit mainly breeders choosing healthier parents [4].

Does weight make it worse?

In the four-breed study, higher body weight was a risk factor for hip joint disease in Labradors [3]. This matters because the breed gains weight easily. See our page on obesity in Labradors, and ask your vet what a healthy weight looks like for your dog.

Can it be prevented?

There's no guarantee, but you can lower the risk:

• Pick healthy parents. The breed standard says only "functionally and clinically healthy dogs" should be bred [5]. Ask the breeder for the parents' hip and elbow scores. Under the UK scheme, breeders are advised to choose dogs that score well below the breed average [4].
• Avoid too-fast growth. Follow your vet's food and exercise advice for a large-breed puppy [1].
• Keep a healthy weight for life, with your vet's guidance [3].

When should I see a vet?

See a licensed vet if you notice:

• Limping that gets worse after exercise [1].
• A "bunny-hop" when running [1].
• Joint pain, stiffness, or a clicking or grinding sound [1].
• Front-leg limping, stiffness after rest, or a swollen elbow in a growing puppy [2].

Don't wait and see. A vet can check these known conditions early [1][2].

FAQ

At what age do signs appear?

Elbow signs often show between about 4 and 10 months, in a young, growing dog [2].

Does coat colour affect hip dysplasia in Labradors?

No. A large UK study found no link between coat colour and hip score [4].

Does it get worse over time?

The loose joint leads to wear and osteoarthritis over time, so an early vet visit matters [1].

Can small dogs or cats get hip dysplasia?

Yes, though it mostly affects large and giant breeds [1].