[fbkeays]

That 41% includes DJD. DJD is not a clear "diagnosis". I had a bitch from clear parents that OFA said was DJD1. She would become lame after moderate exercise. I had her re-x-rayed six months later and submitted to GDC and they rated her as grade 2 and actually stated what was wrong with her joints- incongruent surfaces. Just looking at her x-rays made you feel sick.
I have a male that was also rated with DJD1. He is worked hard and has not become lame. He does herding weekly and is never lame. Herding is one of the worst things you can do to a dog with bad elbows. He also has a big chest so he is "front loaded".
I know why he has DJD1 elbows. He has matching, tiny bone spurs OUTSIDE of the elbow joint. His elbow joints are clean and clear. The bone spurs(bumps really) do not interfer with his joint or his movement. But the presence of the bone spurs (btw they have not increased in size with time) near the joint is not the picture of "normal" elbows.
I have hardwood floors. I tug with my dogs and I allow my dogs to play tug with each other. I let them run up and down stairs. I let them jump over the furnature (like I COULD stop them????) and race around. Obedience classes are held on concrete. I do everything that is "bad" for puppies and dogs. I figure they are dogs and should do dog stuff.