“Elbow dysplasia” isn’t one single problem—it’s an umbrella term for several developmental conditions that injure the cartilage and bone inside the elbow.

 

The big four are: medial coronoid disease (often called FMCP/FCP), ununited anconeal process (UAP), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral trochlea, and elbow incongruity (the joint surfaces don’t fit perfectly).

 

These issues create pain, lameness, and—over time—osteoarthritis (OA).

Many dogs improve with weight control and pain management, but surgery is often recommended to remove loose bone/cartilage, restore joint mechanics, and slow OA.