Canine carpal hyperextension

Other names of the condition

Carpal subluxation - Down the pasterns -Carpal hyperextension

Simply it is a condition that develops gradually in growing puppies
The most breed affected is German shepherds and in some instances any other large breed dogs like Rottweiler and Great deans .

The normal carpal joint is composed of many small bone,these bones are kept in place and allowed to their normal movement by the aid of three main ligaments.

In the condition , one or all of these ligaments won't do their job well

leaving the joint lose liable for weight bearing on hard floors increasing the joint extension more

It is characterized by over extension of the carpal joint(pasterns) in the growing puppy front legs.

Many times it is misdiagnosed as a malformation of bones or low calcium osteopathy.

Age of the condition :

 generally it is started as early as the pup is 3 to 4 months of age

sometimes the pup develops it also when starting his first walks at about 30 days old.

Causes :

-Diet affects it greatly like excess eggs,meat and milk products.

  Mainly High protein/calcium is the main cause of the condition,disrupting the normal growth rate of the baby
making a great load on the joints growing ligaments.

-Confining puppies in small areas where no adequate excersise and play ,and keeping them on hard floors .

- Another cause is supplementation the growing puppies with calcium-phosphorous medications

leading to a disturbance in bone and joint normal function during growth.

-The state of stress when teething,having internal parasites or even changing homes.

-To some extent,it is genetically acquired problem ,so parents who suffers this condition in the past ,their puppies should be supervised greatly for it.

How to treat :

A very good news is here , that this condition won't leave or cause a permanent damage to the foot or joints

once treated and eliminating the cause 

the legs go very well 

Generally treatment plan is as following:

-First of all eliminate or reduce greatly the amount of feeding meat,chicken, yogurt,milk,cottage cheese and eggs.

-STOP adding calcium and/or phosphorus as well as other vitamin supplements to any growing puppy as many puppies that develop this condition is having an inherited factor that prevents the use of supplemented calcium and phosphorous to develop bones, cartilages,tendons and ligaments properly.

- Never let the puppy to become over weighted

- Keeping your puppy in a regular exercise on daily basis as walking on soft floors like sand and grasses helps these ligaments strength greatly, while leaving the puppy in a large area 3 to 4 times a day for free play time .

- Sometimes your veterinarian may prescribe a combination of Vitamin E ,Vitamin C, selenium and glucosamine with recommended doses that may help your puppy.

**This article is directed to owners and veterinary medicine students to illustrate the condition

and treatment is just red lines to help inexperienced vets only NOT for owners