Coronoid Process Sclerosis: A Heritable Marker to Reduce Elbow Disease in Labradors

Can CT scans improve breeding selection for healthier dogs?

Canine elbow dysplasia (CED) is a major concern for Labrador Retrievers, especially in assistance dog programs, where elbow health can determine whether a dog completes training. Despite decades of selective breeding, progress in reducing CED prevalence has been slow. One challenge is that many programs rely on standard radiographs, which are less precise than computed tomography (CT) for detecting subtle joint changes.

A new observational study examined whether CT-based scoring of specific elbow features in breeding dogs could help predict the risk of medial coronoid disease (MCD)—the most common form of CED—in their offspring. The study analyzed Labrador Retrievers from two assistance dog breeding programs that routinely use CT screening.

Six CT features were evaluated in parent dogs without primary lesions, and their relationship to MCD in offspring was assessed. The researchers also measured inter-rater agreement and estimated narrow-sense heritability for features that were reproducible.

The findings highlight sclerosis of the coronoid process (CP) as the strongest predictor of MCD in puppies. Dogs with CP sclerosis had an odds ratio of 4.6 for producing offspring with MCD (95% CI: 1.3–16.5). Importantly, CP sclerosis was highly reproducible across evaluators and showed strong heritability, meaning it is a reliable, inherited trait that can be used in breeding decisions.

These results suggest that CT-based evaluation of CP sclerosis could serve as a practical and scientifically supported tool for breeding programs aiming to reduce MCD prevalence. By integrating this feature into selection protocols, breeders may accelerate progress toward healthier elbows in Labrador Retrievers, ultimately benefiting both companion dogs and working assistance dogs.

Key Takeaways for Veterinary Professionals:

• CT-based scoring is more accurate than radiographs for subtle elbow lesions.

• Coronoid process sclerosis is a heritable and reproducible risk marker for MCD.

• Using this feature in breeding selection could reduce elbow dysplasia in future generations.

• Assistance dog programs and breeders can adopt CT screening protocols to improve outcomes.