TL;DR: Outward-pointing elbows in dogs usually indicate underlying orthopedic issues like elbow dysplasia or joint pain, requiring a veterinary evaluation within a few days to prevent permanent mobility loss.
Why do my dog's elbows point outward when they walk?
When a dog's elbows point outward while walking—often referred to as being 'out at the elbows'—it usually indicates a conformational or orthopedic issue. This gait abnormality can be caused by conditions such as elbow dysplasia, which involves the abnormal development of the elbow joint, or growth plate injuries in developing puppies. It may also be a compensatory movement if the dog is trying to shift weight away from painful wrists or shoulders.
Is it an emergency if my dog's elbows point outward?
- Recognize that the urgency level for this condition is Medium; it is rarely life-threatening but signals underlying joint instability.
- Schedule a veterinary appointment within the next few days to prevent progressive arthritis and permanent mobility loss.
- Seek care sooner if your dog is limping, hesitant to jump, or showing signs of stiffness after resting.
How can photos and videos help my veterinarian triage this condition?
- Capture a clear video of your dog walking toward and away from the camera to help the vet analyze the rhythm of the gait.
- Provide a visual record of the behavior at home, as dogs often hide their symptoms due to 'adrenaline masking' at the clinic.
- Allow the vet to study the specific angle of the joint in a relaxed environment for a faster and more accurate diagnosis.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Affected elbows may deviate laterally, and the range of motion is restricted. This lateral deviation, or outward pointing of the elbows, can be a clinical sign of underlying elbow pathology, particularly ununited anconeal process (UAP) or fragmentation of the medial coronoid process (FMCP). Lameness associated with these conditions typically develops insidiously between 4 and 8 months of age, though bilateral cases may not be diagnosed until later. Advanced cases often present with osteoarthritis, joint effusion, and crepitus. Diagnosis is confirmed via radiography, with a lateral radiograph of the flexed elbow allowing visualization of UAP, while bone fragments associated with FMCP may be visualized via radiography, arthroscopy or CT. Because these conditions can be bilateral, both elbows should be examined.
Chapter: Orthopedics
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1196)