Dog’s Legs Bending Problem :Treatment & Control Measures
DR AJEET SHARAN,KVO, HAZARIBAG,JHARKHAND
Bending the legs is a condition or disorder that occurs in dogs when the front legs (front legs) and hind legs (hind legs) of the dog bend slightly inwards or outwards. Leg bending is a broad topic and it involves many diseases. It is a common problem found mainly in larger breeds of dogs such as German shepherds, Doberman pinscher, Rottweiler, cane Corso, etc because the growing process for these large breeds is slightly different compared to smaller or medium-sized breeds. If we are not sure of their nutritional management (especially calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D) then, of course, you will have to suffer from their unusual growth.
As we can say that bending of dog legs is not a disease but a condition that occurs in dogs for some reason and dogs will have to deal with this problem of bending the legs if not taken early. If you feel that your dog’s legs start bending slightly inward or outward then you should need to be careful. If you take safety precautions they are taken early so that the problem is easily resolved. If action is not taken then the problem increases and it becomes more difficult to solve this problem.
The problem of bending the legs is found mainly in puppies from day 1 to about 4 months because at this stage the dog’s growth is much faster. All dogs in the giant breed, such as German shepherd, rottweiler, labrador, great dane, Saint Bernard, if you keep any of these dogs at home you should remember that they are a serious breed. They are very sensitive to the excesses of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, which will cause problems with bone growth. It is your responsibility to take care of your dog so that it can live a healthy life.
Swimmers syndrome, also known as swimming-puppy syndrome, flat-puppy syndrome, swimmer puppy syndrome, flat-pup syndrome, twisted legs, or turtle pup, is an uncommon developmental deformity of newborn dogs and cats whereby the limbs, primarily the hind limbs, are splayed laterally resulting in an inability to stand or walk. Forward movement with this affliction is only accomplished by lateral pedaling motions .
Bowing of the legs has always been an occasional issue with fast-growing, large breed or heavy breed dogs.
Breeders tend to think that bowing of the legs is genetic, but except for the genetics built in these breeds to grow fast, genetics is seldom the cause.
Fast-growing puppies, especially the heavy breeds, have considerable pressure on the long bones of the legs while they are growing. The scaffolding of protein and cartilage is laid down at the growth plate and that frame work is soft and will bow to pressure. Behind that frame, calcium and phosphorus with other minor minerals use vitamins to make solid bone. Vitamin D gets calcium and phosphorus from the gut into the body, and Vitamin C gets calcium and phosphorus into the bone.
If the diet is short on any of these needed vitamins, minor minerals, calcium or phosphorus, the puppy is slow to calcify while the frame is still being built; soft bones are the result.
Depending on the reason for the deformity, there can be a breed or age predisposition. For example, Bulldogs, Lhasa Apso, and Shih Tzu are prone to angular limb deformity (ALD), while puppies can develop carpal hyperextension as they grow. Causes for front leg deformity can be injury, premature closure of the growth plate, or an inherited predisposition. The aim of treatment is to correct the deformity to give a pain-free, comfortable gait for the dog all the while preventing further damage that can result.
Front leg deformity is a condition that results in a disparity of limb length, reduced mobility in joints, and painful lameness. It can take many forms, and while your dog may not appear to be in pain, untreated front leg deformity will eventually lead to some degree of discomfort and pain for your pet. Consultation with a qualified veterinarian is imperative in order to resolve the deformity before it becomes painful for your dog.
Clinical Signs
Most issues start within five to 12 weeks of age as this is when babies are going through their fast growth stage. Often the breeder reports that the legs look okay in the morning, but by the end of the day, they can see bowing on the front legs. The pressure of romping and jumping all day causes the long bone to bow. With early detection, you can correct this issue with the right vitamin/mineral supplement.
Symptoms of Front Leg Deformity in Dogs
Though your dog may not be showing signs that lead you to suspect the deformity needs to be addressed, we must remember that dogs are quite adept at working through pain, and attempting just to be themselves. However, a front leg deformity will eventually lead to more severe complications. If you see your pet exhibiting any of the signs below, a visit to the veterinarian is a must:
- Limping or lameness
- Discomfort when rising
- Reduced function of the limb
- Abnormal extension of the limb
- Turning in of wrist to inside of leg
- Swelling of leg
- Grinding of joints
- Front legs that are different lengths
- Pain upon movement of joints
- Lack of appetite
- Fever
Types
- Angular Limb Disorder (ALD)
- An abnormal development of the foreleg bones (radius and ulna)
- Can lead to shortened limb and bending or twisting of leg
- Can be hereditary
- Predisposition in Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers
- Antebrachial Growth Deformity (AGD)
- This can happen because of a premature closing of the growth plate
- Compromises limb function and involves joint pain, decreased range of motion, and a default in normal leg length
- Can eventually lead to osteoarthritis of the elbow and carpal joints if left untreated
- Carpal Hyperextension
- Puppies will have an abnormal development of ligaments that support the carpal joint
- Older dogs will experience a degenerative hyperextension of the wrists (older Collies are predisposed)
- Can also result from a sprain or trauma
- Retained Ulnar Cartilage Cores
- Occurs in young, large breed dogs
- Is a disorder of the growth plate in the ulna
- Bones form abnormally because the bone has not hardened properly
- Diet may play a role
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Occurs when the bones that form the elbow do not fit together properly
- Is most commonly seen in young large and giant breed canines
- Can be genetic
- Can progress to arthritis
- Inherited Premature Closure of the Distal Ulnar Physis
- Usually presents in dogs between the ages of three and five months
- Can be seen in Basset Hounds, Welsh Corgis, and Sky Terriers
- Results in circumduction (circular movement) of the limb
Causes of leg bending in dogs
There are three main causes for bending a dog’s leg;
- Malnutrition
- Physical management
- Inheritance
Nutritional deficiency
The problem of a dog’s leg bending is the result when many types of vitamins such as Vit D3 Vit A, Vit B, Vit C, or many minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are deficient. Sometimes the amount of calcium-phosphorus, and vitamins is changed in the puppy’s body, leading to malnutrition. The chances of bending the leg increase and the bone plates remain weak.
Physical management
Nowadays most people build slippery floors or marble tiles in their homes, as we all know that dogs are part of the wolf that grows mostly on the ground. Their paws or claws are designed to maintain weight. If we keep them in slippery places so there is a problem with the grip. One thing to keep in mind is that the front legs are for weight lifting, and the rear is for continuous movement. The problem of bending the leg is more noticeable in the front legs compared to the hind legs because the weight balance is controlled by the front legs. If your dog lives in a slippery or slippery area then the chances of bending the leg will increase because there will be no proper grip.
Genetics
The two names Osteochondrodysplasia and Osteochondrosis are usually genetic diseases, no appropriate treatment is available. Genetics refers to how information is transmitted from parents to offspring. During breeding or mutation genes that mutate and genetic mutations (disease-causing genes) invade puppies’ bodies and cause these problems. There is no cure for these diseases however if a male or female dog is diagnosed with any of these two diseases. Such dogs should not be allowed to come into contact with others, as the disease will spread. Genetics is the main reason for the spread of these problems
Causes of Front Leg Deformity in Dogs
There are many potential causes for front leg deformities in dogs; some of the more common ones include:
- Trauma: This is most common cause; it may interfere with new cartilage production, resulting in a stoppage of bone elongation
- Osteochondrosis: A disturbance in the change of cartilage to bone; the cause of this disease is not completely understood, however, it is thought to have genetic, nutritional, and traumatic components
- Elbow malalignment syndrome: It tends to occur in chondrodysplastic breeds (e.g., Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Corgis)
- Nutritional deficiency: This issue is becoming less prevalent in dogs as as nutritional standards improve
- Congenital: This is rare in dogs; a dog with this form of deformity will have severely bowed front legs and a possible ankle dislocation
- Fracture
- Degeneration
- Injury before growth plate has matured
- Improper alignment of bones
- A pair of bones may have disparity in growth rate, causing one of the pair to bow
- Trauma, or fall on a front limb
- Damage to the blood supply of a growth plate
- Genetics
- Obesity during puppyhood
- Improper diet and supplementation (deficiency in Vitamin D, excessive calcium or Vitamin C or A)
- Foods too high in fat and protein may lead to weaker growth plates and bone
Diagnosis of Front Leg Deformity in Dogs
With front leg deformity, the diagnosis method is similar in many cases. The veterinarian will need to take radiographs in order to diagnose the extent of the deformity, to see the extent of the hyperextension, or to assess the damage to ligaments. Checking for broken bones will also be part of the x-ray process.
Your dog may need to be sedated or put under general anesthesia for the radiographs. If additional imaging is necessary, as is sometimes the case when more detail or better clarity is required, a CT scan or MRI may be performed.
In the situation of elbow dysplasia, a technique called an arthroscopy is used to diagnose joint problems. Done under general anesthesia, this procedure allows the veterinary surgeon to view the inside of the joint. With this technique, correction of the problem is sometimes possible while in the exploratory stage.
Blood tests may be performed to check for nutritional deficiencies.
Treatment of legs bending over dogs
If you notice that your dog’s legs are slightly bent, either internally or externally so immediately consult a veterinarian or veterinarian with knowledge of the problem.
In the case of malnutrition, puppies should be fed a sufficient amount of nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D3. Similarly, there should be a close examination of excess or overdosing and suckling puppies.
Heavy exercise or running should be reduced during the growing phase from 1 to 12 weeks because the bones grow at a faster rate, as it puts more pressure on the front and hind legs which increases the chances of bending. It is therefore suggested that their exercise and long walks should be reduced from 1 to 12 weeks old and kept at home when this period is over you can give them proper exercise, as the growth rate is not so fast as stress on the bone plates, the bones are reduced and the legs will not bend. So these were simple tips, if you follow them I can assure you that your dog leg problem will be cured by 70%.
In this case, if bending continues for pups for 6 to 9 months, surgical management is necessary because the bones become harder as a result of the calculation. But if the age is close to 4 to 5 months, it can be treated without surgical intervention, as we know that bones are soft during this time and can be easily treated using the compressive force, while the addition of certain cartilage protection such as glucosamine and chondroitin can also help to control this. problem.
Puppies should be fed with pure mother’s milk, in case the mother’s milk is not available so milk substitutes should be used to feed the puppies. Sometimes in puppies, the balance of calcium-phosphorus is disturbed because malnutrition occurs and causes the legs to bend.
Bending the legs can also be reduced if the dog or even the puppy is allowed to stay in the rugged terrain, especially these days when all the marble tiles are built and preferred in homes, so dogs and puppies should not walk and run because they are slippery and can not hold these dogs. If you want to solve this problem choose a place in your house that is rough and put in the ground so that your dog does not slip, so also avoid being chained which means do not tie your puppy with a chain. It is one of the main causes of dog leg bending.
Calcium deficiency also causes the legs to bend, if your dog’s legs are bent so give it the right amount of calcium. Evan calcium syrups are available at pet stores or medical stores. If your dog did not have this issue, you can give him calcium that will prevent bending problems in the future.
Another reason for the lag problem is a lack of proper exercise, due to which dog can not walk or run, so if your dog has this problem give proper exercises such as running and walking slowly and when conditions get better, the problem will do with the contempt it begins to heal.
Treatment of Front Leg Deformity in Dogs
Treatment of the deformity will depend on the cause and the extent of the problem. The goal is always to correct the position and length of the limb and regain comfortable joint movement. Of course, preventing further complications that can be secondary to the deformity is of utmost importance, too.
The treatment protocol may involve diet, surgery, splints or physical therapy. For example:
- Antebrachial Growth Deformity
- Corrective surgery will be done, conducive to stabilizing the limb with external or internal braces or framework. Sometimes cutting the bone, with the goal of realignment or equalizing bone length, is a success.
- Carpal Hyperextension
- The use of veterinary applied support splints, bandages, and physiotherapy can bring resolution. In some cases, the complete or partial fusion of the carpus is necessary. A procedure called arthrodesis is done to fuse the forelimb and paw using internal plates and screws.
- Retained Ulnar Cartilage Cores
- This deformity is treated with diet change. Adherence to a complete and balanced diet, with the removal of excess supplementation can have a favorable outcome.
Other treatments for front leg deformity include removal of part of a bone or plate. Some severe cases of front leg deformity will require complete amputation of the limb. It should be noted that most dogs can function very well on three legs.
Recovery of Front Leg Deformity in Dogs
The prognosis for a dog with front leg deformity can be good; however, there can be some obstacles to face during a surgical recovery period:
- Risk of infection around the implants
- Breakage of the surgical repair (screws, etc.)
- Poor bone healing
You may find that there is a need for an Elizabethan collar to prevent your dog from licking the surgical site. The veterinarian will be able to provide this for you if required.
Many dogs, as they recover from surgery, have a lack of appetite. This should be of no concern for a day or two. If your pet still has no interest in food, try softening it and warming it up to increase palatability.
Constipation is often a post-surgery complication; you can expect limited bowel movements for a few days simply due to the fact that your dog did not consume much food before and after the operation. Some medication for pain and inflammation may cause constipation as well. If you are concerned, contact the veterinarian for advice.
Vomiting can occur for a period of time after the surgery. As dogs recover from the anesthesia, they can experience nausea. Allow your pet plenty of rest and quiet time to recover from the stress and fatigue of a surgical intervention. As always, let the veterinarian know how your pet is doing, and do not hesitate to contact the clinic with any questions or concerns.
Early Detection and Prevention is Key
The problem with bowed legs is that your baby is growing faster than your diet is allowing.
- Put on adult diet (not puppy food) and wean. Some large breeds are still nursing at this five to 12 week stage, and milk is all calcium! A maintenance diet or giant breed diet will not push growth. Limit the protein and slow the scaffolding growth slightly until we catch up. The maintenance diet will not make them thin while treating for a short time; it just doesn’t push them for maximum growth.
- Limit exercise until bone is hardened as you want the bone to heal straight, not crooked. Pressure from romping and running bows the long bone while soft. Usually one week does it.
Reference-on request
https://wagwalking.com/condition/leg-paralysis
PHOTO COURTESY-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XedzKm4vX8I
