Arthrosis in the elbow joint of young rapidly growing dogs. VII. Occurrence in the Rottweiler breed.

The author has previously shown that lesions of the coronoid process are the most common reason for elbow lameness and osteophyte formation of the elbow joint in the Rottweiler and other larger breeds. To get more information regarding the elbow status of the Rottweiler breed, 207 dogs were radiographically investigated. Of these, 66 dogs were admitted because of elbow lameness, while 141 dogs more than 12 months of age, had never revealed foreleg lameness. Osteophyte formation was found in one or both elbow joints in 89.4% of the lame dogs and in 68.1% of the dogs free from lameness. When trying to elucidate the probability of inheritance, the dogs were grouped according to the elbow status of the parents. The results indicate that the percentage of lame offspring and offspring affected by osteophyte formation increases according to increase in affected elbow joints of the parents. Inherited disposition for lesions of the coronoid process is therefore suggested. Prophylactical criteria are discussed.