Angular limb deformities in dogs are deformities that affect the bones. Carpal valgus in dogs is an outward turning of the paw from the level of the wrist and is a frequently encountered example of an angular limb deformity. In all cases, angular limb deformities result from atypical bone growth due to rapid growth or damage or injury to a dog's bony growth plate. Let's take a closer look at what this might mean for your dog.
All dogs' lower front legs have two long bones between their elbow and their wrist: the radius and ulna. Traumatic injuries, such as sustaining a car injury, falling or being stepped on are common causes of trauma that can result in angular limb deformities in dogs. Exactly how does this occur? Injury to a growth plate can alter and cease further growth of that bone. Due to its unique anatomy, the ulna's growth plates are at high risk for injury. Any such injury can cause the ulna to stop growing, but the radius will continue to grow. Because the two bones are connected by ligaments, the radius is under pressure and forced to alter its angle, as it's anchored down to the ulna. This gives the limb an abnormal twisted or bowed appearance.
Other causes of angular deformities include eating a food that is poorly balanced for calcium and phosphorus or excess calories and minerals fed to puppies. This is especially problematic in the fast growing, large and giant breeds of dogs. In these cases the rapid growth of the bone coupled with imbalanced or excess dietary minerals
According to veterinary specialist, Dr. Derek Fox, DVM, Ph.D., DACVS, there are numerous types and categories of angular limb deformities in dogs. In DVM360, Dr. Fox reports that classification is based on how many deformities a dog has, the direction of the bony deformities and how the bony deformities relate to one another.
Two commonly encountered types include:
Swelling at the elbow joint, along with pain, may be present with either type of deformity.
If this sounds like a rather complicated classification scheme, you aren't wrong. Even for veterinary professionals, this can be confusing to keep straight. The good news is you don't need to master it; simply be aware that most of these deformities affect a dog's lower front limb. You can leave the rest to your veterinarian.
Angular limb deformities in dogs affect both large and small breeds, and they're most often observed when a dog is less than one year old. According to the chapter devoted to angular limb deformities in "Mechanisms of Disease in Small Animal Surgery" certain dog breeds, such as bulldogs or dachshunds, already have shortened legs, but these aren't considered angular limb deformities. Their short legs are part of their normal breed shape; they're symmetrical and they don't usually cause mobility problems. However, even these breeds can develop an angular limb deformity from the same causes as other breeds. Unusual twisting or angles of the limb are the telltale signs; lameness is another key indicator of this bony deformity.
Your vet will diagnose an angular limb deformity based on orthopedic exam findings and radiographs of the affected forelimb. They'll likely take an X-ray, sometimes with the dog under sedation, of the affected limb. This allows your vet to develop a precise surgical plan to correct the deformities.
The goals of treating angular limb deformities in dogs include:
If the angular limb deformity is mild and is not resulting in discomfort for your pet, no treatment may be necessary. For dogs with more serious deformities that negatively impact quality of life, treatment is surgical and depends upon the exact deformity identified. In severe cases, a portion of the affected limb is removed to compensate for the incorrect angling of the limb and/or joint. This alone may be curative, or additional surgical tools, such as bony plates and screws, may be warranted for more advanced cases.
It is critical to follow your vet's post-operative recovery plans, especially as it relates to your dog's physical therapy and meal plan to avoid complications during the healing period. A balanced dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) should have all the necessary nutrients, including a proper balance of minerals, that your dog needs to help recover from surgery so be sure to consult with your veterinarian before adding any additional supplements to their food.
The development of angular limb deformities may be avoided if you feed a growing puppy an appropriately formulated food and the correct portion size. Your veterinarian can make suggestions to you about what and how much to feed. When angular limb deformities are caught early and treated with either dietary change and, if necessary, surgery, your pup is much less likely to develop a severe deformity. For more severe deformities, surgery can help prevent or significantly delay the progressive development of degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Delaying surgery can lead to risks, such as canine osteoarthritis, pain from movement and an inability to move normally. While no surgery has a 100% success rate, the majority of angular limb deformity surgeries are successful, and appropriate intervention can help your dog live a long and healthy life.
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