Carpal laxity syndrome in puppies

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what you folks tend to do (if anything) for carpal laxity

syndrome in puppies. I dind't see this case, my associate did, but we had a 6

month old puppy come in yesterday with very lax carpi. She was 25lb, already

spayed from a shelter. No valgus/varus deformity noted. She has some trouble

going up, but not down stairs. I'll try to attach pics under the photos area

(don't know how to attach them directly.

I read that this generally carries a good prognosis. What kinds of therapeutic

options do you generally recommend for these cases?

I was thinking that controlled digging (if stable enough) may be a good

exercise? Also, handling a chew toy between the forepaws, wobble board. Would

a mild decline on the treadmill be ok, or do you think that would be too much

stress?

Thanks for any help!

Rob

[Guest guest]

Hi have seen a few of these usually from malnutrition. The big thing I have learned is do NOT immobilize if you can get away with it. All of your ideas have worked for my cases.

I have also tried estim. All of the cases I have seen (around 8-9) have eventually done well. However long term arthritic changes are still a possible long term outcome.

Hope it helps

Kim Knap

From: VetRehab [VetRehab ] on behalf of rtope.ecac [rtope.ecac@...]

Sent: Friday, January 06, 2012 4:43 PM

To: VetRehab

Subject: Carpal laxity syndrome in puppies

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what you folks tend to do (if anything) for carpal laxity syndrome in puppies. I dind't see this case, my associate did, but we had a 6 month old puppy come in yesterday with very lax carpi. She was 25lb, already spayed from a shelter. No valgus/varus

deformity noted. She has some trouble going up, but not down stairs. I'll try to attach pics under the photos area (don't know how to attach them directly.

I read that this generally carries a good prognosis. What kinds of therapeutic options do you generally recommend for these cases?

I was thinking that controlled digging (if stable enough) may be a good exercise? Also, handling a chew toy between the forepaws, wobble board. Would a mild decline on the treadmill be ok, or do you think that would be too much stress?

Thanks for any help!

Rob

[Guest guest]

Hi Rob,I think your ideas are good. I'd not go with the declines until you see improvement. Inclines would be fine however... and I would also e-stim the flexors while weight shifting onto each leg (so alternating if possible with the machine you have) - otherwise, one leg at a time.Build the strength first, THEN add challenge (i.e. balance board, decline, etc).Have a great weekend!Laurie

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what you folks tend to do (if anything) for carpal laxity syndrome in puppies. I dind't see this case, my associate did, but we had a 6 month old puppy come in yesterday with very lax carpi. She was 25lb, already spayed from a shelter. No valgus/varus deformity noted. She has some trouble going up, but not down stairs. I'll try to attach pics under the photos area (don't know how to attach them directly.

I read that this generally carries a good prognosis. What kinds of therapeutic options do you generally recommend for these cases?

I was thinking that controlled digging (if stable enough) may be a good exercise? Also, handling a chew toy between the forepaws, wobble board. Would a mild decline on the treadmill be ok, or do you think that would be too much stress?

Thanks for any help!

Rob

Laurie Edge-, BScPT, MAnimSt(Animal Physio), CAFCI, CCRTCo-Owner,The Canine Fitness Centre Ltd.Calgary, AB, Canadawww.caninefitness.comCEO,Four Leg Rehab Inc.Past-Chair,The Animal Rehab DivisionThe Canadian Physiotherapy Associationwww.animalptcanada.comInstructor,The Canine Rehab Institutewww.caninerehabinstitute.comGuest Lecturer,Faculty of Veterinary MedicineThe University of Calgarywww.vet.ucalgary.caVice-President,International Association of Physical Therapists in Animal PracticeWorld Confederation for Physical Therapywww.wcpt.org

[Guest guest]

I really like using a physioroll for weightshifting and rhythmic stabilization

while holding the carpi (or wrapping temporarily) into a normal position), step

overs and the other exercises you mentioned.

-

Hagler BS RVT CCRP CBW CVPP-pending

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