Veterinary surgeons have been aware for many years of a number of conditions that begin in puppies and cause lameness. Hip dysplasia was the first such disease to be widely recognised and a scheme for its assessment and control is well established in the UK. Elbow dysplasia (ED) is a significant problem in many breeds worldwide, and although it begins in puppyhood it can continue to affect the dog for the rest of its life. The principal cause of ED lies in the genetic make up of the animal. Therefore, a scheme that screens animals for elbow abnormalities will allow animals with the best elbow joints to be chosen for breeding, and will help to reduce the level of the problem in the canine population.