Elbow Protection

[TylerDurden]

As you all know, most Mastiffs love to lie on the cold hard floors. Bane always does it even though he has the nicest beds available everywhere. It doesn‘t sound nice and healthy to hear 150+lbs crushing on the floor each time. He would go to his crate to sleep, which has bed, but many times he will just prefer the kitchen floor. He has some rough spots on the elbows, which we treat with elbow butter (it does help). Any tips on getting them to choose the softer surfaces instead? Also, I‘ve heard that elbow callusses (is that plural of callus?) are very common in large dogs and not a health concern? What is your opinion on that? I know it can be a cosmetic issue, but many help say it serves as a protection of the joint.

 

[Smokeycat]

Kryten does have calluses on both elbows. Based on conversations with his vet and surgeon they are normal. The only one that gives any concern is the part that has swollen up a bit. The concern is that it might become a hygroma (sp?). Kryten's colouring means that the calluses aren't easily noticed unless you look at his elbows. The location of both is where he had surgery but one did develop before the surgery on that leg do I don't know if there is any correlation between the two.

 

[TylerDurden]

Kryten does have calluses on both elbows. Based on conversations with his vet and surgeon they are normal. The only one that gives any concern is the part that has swollen up a bit. The concern is that it might become a hygroma (sp?). Kryten's colouring means that the calluses aren't easily noticed unless you look at his elbows. The location of both is where he had surgery but one did develop before the surgery on that leg do I don't know if there is any correlation between the two.

That makes sense. They are really hard to notice in dark dogs like Kryten. I do believe that they are somewhat normal, too. I just don‘t want him to develop any other elbow issues that have nothing to do with cosmetics. I‘m not overly worried about the look, but sleeping on hard floors all the time probably isn‘t good.

 

[Smokeycat]

That makes sense. They are really hard to notice in dark dogs like Kryten. I do believe that they are somewhat normal, too. I just don‘t want him to develop any other elbow issues that have nothing to do with cosmetics. I‘m not overly worried about the look, but sleeping on hard floors all the time probably isn‘t good.

As far as I know the hygroma is the only thing that you need to watch for. Kryten's elbow issues are genetic and that is what caused both surgeries and the early development of arthritis.

 

[TylerDurden]

As far as I know the hygroma is the only thing that you need to watch for. Kryten's elbow issues are genetic and that is what caused both surgeries and the early development of arthritis.

Have you ever noticed itchiness where the calluses are? Bane would sometimes scratch his ellbows in this area which can bleed. Not sure why he does it or how to prevent it.

 

[Smokeycat]

Have you ever noticed itchiness where the calluses are? Bane would sometimes scratch his ellbows in this area which can bleed. Not sure why he does it or how to prevent it.

Not that I've noticed. He does really love to have his elbows massaged but I've always thought that to be connected more to the elbow dysplasia than the calluses. It could be possible that the skin could be dry and itchy since there is no longer a protective layer of fur. In general Kryten does seem itchy when the humidity drops.