How To Spot Dog Knuckling

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.

The condition affecting the gait of dogs can start off as a seemingly minor paw irritation and soon escalate to an inability to walk. Depending on the underlying cause for the disorder, it may be treated and alleviated or it can affect the lifespan of your canine companion. If you suspect difficulties in the movement of your pet seek veterinary assistance or have pets checked annually.

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.

If your dog is suffering from knuckled feet, simply observe their movement and the positioning of the paws during walking or standing. The knuckling makes it difficult for pets to bring the toes inward and correct its position leaving them to try to balance on their knuckles. When the condition is left to deteriorate many dogs could become permanently lame.

The presence of knuckling could result from a thorn in the foot or some type of injury causing pain when stepped on. Dogs affected by thorns or fractures will not put pressure on their feet and in many cases, the paw remains in an abnormal position. Seeking medical attention from your vet determines whether the canine has suffered from a fracture or other form of damage.

When a Fibrocartilaginous embolism develops, the dog will experience trauma within the spinal disc during the performance of exercise. A piece of the disc will break off and form a clot that leaves the affected pet unable to use one or both limbs. Many dogs suffer paralysis and while rehabilitation efforts are available, the success of recovery is largely individualized.

Myelopathy develops in senior dogs who have been diagnosed with degeneration including arthritis leaving the canine unable to maintain balance or cause complete lameness in the legs. The disease is characterized by a inability to properly coordinate the limbs including dragging the paws while walking. Older pets may struggle to lift themselves or turn and over a period of a year suffer paralysis.

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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