How To Detect Dog Knuckling In Your Pet

By Betty Watson


Genetic factors, age and dietary deficiencies can contribute to conditions in canines that cause crippling symptoms and compromise quality of life. Dog knuckling happens when the tops of the paws bend downwards causing the animal to move in an awkward manner as they drag their feet. The disease has many bases but stems from neurological complications and requires effective treatment to provide much needed relief and mobility.

When knuckling is present, the healthy mobility of your dog is impacted by many conditions leaving unstable foot positioning. Symptoms can deteriorate based on the underlying source for symptoms and should be vet checked to prevent complications including lameness and infection. If the movement of pets is compromised, take the appropriate clinical action to address reason for such difficulties.

Knuckling in dogs can leave affected canines severely debilitated and includes foot injuries, degeneration of the spinal discs, Carpal problems, Fibrocartilaginous embolism and myelopathy. When dogs are affected by these difficulties, it is important to seek the appropriate vet care to provide relief. These symptoms can quickly become worse leaving dogs unable to move properly.

To determine whether the feet of your dog has knuckled, it is necessary to determine their steadiness and overall movement while on their feet. When a dog knuckles, they are unable to correct bent paws or realign the position of the foot leaving them unable to walk or crippled. Severe cases leaves most dogs disabled and unable to place any weight on their affected paws.

A common cause for a knuckled position includes severe injury to the paw, an object stuck in the pad or toes or a fracture. When your pooch is limping, gently check the foot for signs of thorns or foreign bodies that could be responsible for the poorly positioned foot. If it does not improve, take your pet to a veterinarian who can examine for fractures and severe injuries.

If a Fibrocartilaginous embolism is the cause for symptoms, dogs will how signs of lameness in a single or both legs. The embolism is a serious condition and leaves pets lame in the hind legs, unable to move properly or not move at all as the disc is injured and a chip travels to the spine. Canines impacted by such trauma should receive immediate veterinary attention.

The occurrence of Myelopathy is predominant in senior dogs who may have arthritis or similar forms of spinal and joint degeneration. It will leave the affected animal lame in the hind legs and the feet will drag while walking. Many aged pets over 8 years will show signs at an early stage of degenerative symptoms including unstable movement and difficulty when rising that could lead to paralysis over a year.

To prevent your canine from experiencing the misfortune of knuckling, they must be exercised moderately and weight kept in check. Older and larger breed dogs should be monitored and provided supportive joint supplements to encourage mobility while protecting against degradation and arthritis. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from knuckling, it is best to call on a certified and professional vet who can advise on the appropriate treatment.




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