Premature distal radial physeal closure, while not as commonly diagnosed as premature closure of the distal ulnar physis, presented a surgical problem in the 11 cases reviewed. The diagnosis was suggested by clinical signs including lameness, angular deformity of the forelimb, pain, crepitation, and limited range of motion in the elbow. Radiographic examination confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical treatment depended on the abnormalities present. Two animals with growth potential were treated by resecting the restricting physeal bone bridge and placing an autogenous fat graft in the defect. Corrective osteotomy procedures for seven animals with total closure of the physis were directed toward re‐establishing functional elbow anatomy by radial osteotomy or correcting angular limb deformity with an oblique radial osteotomy. Two animals did not receive treatment. Surgical treatment resulted in improved use of the forelim