Deformity

SarahRainey · 01-31-2012, 04:07 AM

The vet's verdict is that Copper has a bone deformity in his front leg. Basset bones are already dense, but his one leg is extra dense and crooked. Vet said it shouldn't bother him unless he injures himself--then the deformity will exacerbate whatever he does. If he gets a sprain, he'll go practically lame in that leg even if the sprain is mild. The vet can't be sure that the lameness would be temporary. Since the vet believes it is genetic, he suggested I contact the breeder and alert them. Since he was a rescue, I tried tracking down his original paperwork from the owners who relinquished him. Turns out he's a PetLand puppy. Doubtful that I can track down his original breeder now. Dead end there.

(It also makes me a little angry that the original breeder didn't notice the deformity or alert the people they sold Copper to. The previous owners were going to breed him as well and potentially pass the deformity along.)

Doesn't seem like there is much I can do. And I certainly can't keep him quiet for the rest of his life. Any suggestions for how to handle in the case he does sprain his leg at some point in the next 10-15 years? I have a small pet first aid kit, but I doubt it currently has anything that will keep that kind of damage to a minimum. And with the damage being potentially permanent, should he hurt himself, I want to be as prepared as possible.

Soundtrack · 01-31-2012, 06:51 AM

I'd say simply keep him as fit as possible. Can you post a picture? I've known of bassets with serious leg issues that had pretty much normal lives and no real issues.

TBH, I doubt the breeder knew about it, at the age it was originally sold to Petland (and probably the age at which it was sold to the original owners) I doubt it would have been apparent. These things don't normally show up until the pup is older - many breeders have had the experience of keeping a promising pup only to find that one foot turns out at six months.

Orion · 01-31-2012, 10:16 AM

Oh my, Sarah, I'm sure there are others with more experience that will be along to give your helpful advice (methinks Soundtrack is spot on recommending he stay fit and trim); I am just happy you found out about the leg this way and not because something bad had happened. Also, lucky boy Copper he has such a good mama to take care of him, give him some ear scratchings from Moses

Barney'spal · 01-31-2012, 10:38 AM

I agree with Orion....she's lucky she has you. I think if it was me, I would just make sure to keep her weight on the slim side and let her enjoy life..I'd probably have that "niggle" of worry in the back of my mind but for the most part would just let her be a normal basset.

AmyB · 01-31-2012, 11:31 AM

Spencer had some bone issues with both his front legs. His vet recommended what Soundtrack said - keep him fit & his weight under control. Thankfully Spencer was an active dog, liked to walk & never had weight issues. He lived to be 14 years old & never had any problems with his legs.

bubbad · 01-31-2012, 05:06 PM

Glad you have him.My thoughs are it wouldn't have mattered to his breeder anyway, likely one or both parents had a deformity as well.

Mikey T · 01-31-2012, 05:19 PM

Quote:

If he gets a sprain, he'll go practically lame in that leg even if the sprain is mild. The vet can't be sure that the lameness would be temporary

sounds like hyerbole on the part of the vent and as far as lameness being temporary from a soft tissue injury the same could be said of a dog with perfect conformation

On way to minimize soft tissue injuries is with a High protein diet. in working sled dogs all dogs fed a diet of 18 % or less had soft tissue injuries that effected their ability to work. at 28 and 32 % no of the dog had any soft tissue injuries that cause them a problem

Nutrition Strategies for Optimal Performance

Quote:

Another study with sled dogs showed the significant effects of protein levels on soft tissue injury rates. In one study, every dog (100 percent) on an 18 percent protein diet suffered soft tissue injury during 12 weeks of training, while only 20 percent (one in five) of the dogs fed 24 percent protein did so; and the group fed 32 percent protein diets With the same training experienced no injuries whatsoever. Dr.Reynolds explains, "We don't completely understand the mechanism, but we do know that feeding what has until now been considered an adequate amount of protein [18 percent] did not support good health and performance during intensive conditioning. A minimum of 24 percent of the calories should come from protein, or the risk for injury increases and the ability to maximally metabolize oxygen decreases."

SarahRainey · 01-31-2012, 10:12 PM

This was the best photo I could find where you could actually see the leg...front left.

2011August013.jpg picture by oneloveonegod - Photobucket

I don't *see* anything different but I'm not trained to see those kinds of things.

We have a hard time keeping weight on him, so keeping him fit probably wont be an issue. He gets a ton of exercise. We let him off leash in the fenced playground and he runs and runs and runs and JUMPS over everything he can. Up stairs and down slides. I'm worried he might sprain something with all his jumping and diving around but I can't really stop him. He's young and has energy...I'm not going to keep him cooped up.

He had a severe allergic reaction and he couldn't use this leg for two weeks after the allergic reaction subsided. He acted like a three legged dog for awhile. Vet said that was the kind of exacerbation the bone could cause. Not sure if its an exaggeration, but certainly something I want to avoid if possible.

Mikey T, I just checked out his protein content of his food...min 25%. He also gets a tablespoon or two of soft food that's also at 25%. I checked the company we buy from and they have a puppy/working dog version that's 28% but I'm not sure if that's too high calorie for what he does. He's incredibly active for a nonworking dog. He's 50 pounds but very lean...or at least I think that's lean for a 25 inch long basset (shoulder blade to base of tail). (Is that even lean for his size?)

Mikey T · 02-01-2012, 02:28 PM

[quote]but I'm not sure if that's too high calorie for what he does.[quote]

[quote]We have a hard time keeping weight on him, [quote]

doesn't sound like a problem however you may need to adust wha is in the food bowl. that Said protien and carb have the same caloric content so as long as everything else is the same a highe protein food does not have additional calories. unlike fat and carbs very few excess calories from protein is strored but rather extracted. and excreeted. Higher protein food actual contribute to weight loss better than low protein food. High-Protein Low-Carbohydrate Diets Enhance Weight Loss in Dogs 1,2

It is fat that is more calorical dense than carbs but dogs are general better at using fat than carbs as a fuel source and much better than humans

Quote:

He's 50 pounds but very lean...or at least I think that's lean for a 25 inch long basset (shoulder blade to base of tail). (Is that even lean for his size?)

there are so many variable that simple number are not an acurate means fo judging. but as a comparision Toughy was 29/30" from chest to base of the tail At 62# he was the skinnest basset many had ever seen his agility competition weight was 48#

toughy at 63 #

toughy at 48#

tell a differnce, i couldn't really either he did loose 1/4 to 1/8 in height though.

There is the assumption that the problem is genetic and to be perectly honest IMHO any sort of deformity that is one sided that is occurs only on one side is more loikely to be the result of trauma or other outside environmental factor than genetics.

te front end does not look that bad at all especial for a basset. how many basset has the vet seen orthopeadicall?

as a comparision

notice the feet point east/west and see was diagnosed as dysplastic. going on 12 years old and perhaps the best agility basset ever.

SarahRainey · 02-01-2012, 09:00 PM

The final picture looks very similar to Copper's leg. The left foot pops out more than the other when you're examining him straight on. Although I think both pop outward...like he's been doing a little too much ballet. He's not seen an orthopedic vet yet. But I might need to take him one. I'm read up a little on dysplasia but I'm not sure that explains why that bone is a lot denser than the rest...unless bone density issues also accompany the condition. That part seems genetic but I guess we'll have to take him to the orthopedic vet to determine that. (Our regular vet may also just be plain wrong on the dense-ness issue...always a possibility.)

The rescue always told us to keep our bassets lean to avoid the back problems...I'm just not experienced enough with the breed yet to determine a good healthy manageable weight for their size. I'll need to check calorie content on the other brand and I might switch over.

01-31-2012, 04:07 AM	#1 (permalink)
SarahRainey Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: North Chicagoland Posts: 392	Deformity The vet's verdict is that Copper has a bone deformity in his front leg. Basset bones are already dense, but his one leg is extra dense and crooked. Vet said it shouldn't bother him unless he injures himself--then the deformity will exacerbate whatever he does. If he gets a sprain, he'll go practically lame in that leg even if the sprain is mild. The vet can't be sure that the lameness would be temporary. Since the vet believes it is genetic, he suggested I contact the breeder and alert them. Since he was a rescue, I tried tracking down his original paperwork from the owners who relinquished him. Turns out he's a PetLand puppy. Doubtful that I can track down his original breeder now. Dead end there. (It also makes me a little angry that the original breeder didn't notice the deformity or alert the people they sold Copper to. The previous owners were going to breed him as well and potentially pass the deformity along.) Doesn't seem like there is much I can do. And I certainly can't keep him quiet for the rest of his life. Any suggestions for how to handle in the case he does sprain his leg at some point in the next 10-15 years? I have a small pet first aid kit, but I doubt it currently has anything that will keep that kind of damage to a minimum. And with the damage being potentially permanent, should he hurt himself, I want to be as prepared as possible. __________________ Rescue Mom to Copper 52 pounds (Estimated DOB July '10--Fostered then adopted through BBR, Gotcha Oct. '11) Foster Mom to Jamie doxie/basset born 9/11/2005 Former Foster Mom to Taz & Tommy (trans. to med care 4/12) Ashley (A 3/12) Gwendolyn (A 2/12)and Dudley (A 8/11) Basset Buddies Rescue Grant Writer: (IL, MN, WI) http://bassetbuddiesrescue.org/ If you are looking to adopt young, old, or in between, please let me know!

01-31-2012, 06:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
Soundtrack Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,582	I'd say simply keep him as fit as possible. Can you post a picture? I've known of bassets with serious leg issues that had pretty much normal lives and no real issues. TBH, I doubt the breeder knew about it, at the age it was originally sold to Petland (and probably the age at which it was sold to the original owners) I doubt it would have been apparent. These things don't normally show up until the pup is older - many breeders have had the experience of keeping a promising pup only to find that one foot turns out at six months. __________________ Rosie-Ch Soundtrack Cracklin' Rose CGN AGN RA Am RN TT Melody-Ch Soundtrack Unchained Melody TT Sailor-Ch Soundtrack Expedition Sailor RN TT Chili-Ch Soundtrack Spice Up Your Life Curry-Ch Soundtrack Canadian Brass Pepper-Ch Pennieslogon Living La Vida Loca CGN Vina-Ch Soundtrack Grand Illusion Leila-Ch Soundtrack Almost Paradise Deela-Ch Soundtrack Wink Of An Eye Hermione - Soundtrack Spellbound Eowyn - Soundtrack Rain Dance

01-31-2012, 10:38 AM	#4 (permalink)
Barney'spal Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: northern michigan Posts: 710	I agree with Orion....she's lucky she has you. I think if it was me, I would just make sure to keep her weight on the slim side and let her enjoy life..I'd probably have that "niggle" of worry in the back of my mind but for the most part would just let her be a normal basset. __________________ Properly trained, a man can be a dog's best friend.

01-31-2012, 11:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
AmyB Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,855	Spencer had some bone issues with both his front legs. His vet recommended what Soundtrack said - keep him fit & his weight under control. Thankfully Spencer was an active dog, liked to walk & never had weight issues. He lived to be 14 years old & never had any problems with his legs. __________________ Amy, mom to Sadie (ATB, 6/9/06) & Spencer (ATB, 8/19/10) - always in my heart and Clifford (gotcha date 7/2/11).

01-31-2012, 10:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
SarahRainey Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: North Chicagoland Posts: 392	This was the best photo I could find where you could actually see the leg...front left. 2011August013.jpg picture by oneloveonegod - Photobucket I don't see anything different but I'm not trained to see those kinds of things. We have a hard time keeping weight on him, so keeping him fit probably wont be an issue. He gets a ton of exercise. We let him off leash in the fenced playground and he runs and runs and runs and JUMPS over everything he can. Up stairs and down slides. I'm worried he might sprain something with all his jumping and diving around but I can't really stop him. He's young and has energy...I'm not going to keep him cooped up. He had a severe allergic reaction and he couldn't use this leg for two weeks after the allergic reaction subsided. He acted like a three legged dog for awhile. Vet said that was the kind of exacerbation the bone could cause. Not sure if its an exaggeration, but certainly something I want to avoid if possible. Mikey T, I just checked out his protein content of his food...min 25%. He also gets a tablespoon or two of soft food that's also at 25%. I checked the company we buy from and they have a puppy/working dog version that's 28% but I'm not sure if that's too high calorie for what he does. He's incredibly active for a nonworking dog. He's 50 pounds but very lean...or at least I think that's lean for a 25 inch long basset (shoulder blade to base of tail). (Is that even lean for his size?) __________________ Rescue Mom to Copper 52 pounds (Estimated DOB July '10--Fostered then adopted through BBR, Gotcha Oct. '11) Foster Mom to Jamie doxie/basset born 9/11/2005 Former Foster Mom to Taz & Tommy (trans. to med care 4/12) Ashley (A 3/12) Gwendolyn (A 2/12)and Dudley (A 8/11) Basset Buddies Rescue Grant Writer: (IL, MN, WI) http://bassetbuddiesrescue.org/ If you are looking to adopt young, old, or in between, please let me know!

01-31-2012, 10:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tennessee Posts: 326	Oh my, Sarah, I'm sure there are others with more experience that will be along to give your helpful advice (methinks Soundtrack is spot on recommending he stay fit and trim); I am just happy you found out about the leg this way and not because something bad had happened. Also, lucky boy Copper he has such a good mama to take care of him, give him some ear scratchings from Moses

01-31-2012, 05:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
bubbad Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Boiling Springs,Pa Posts: 1,347	Glad you have him.My thoughs are it wouldn't have mattered to his breeder anyway, likely one or both parents had a deformity as well.

02-01-2012, 09:00 PM	#10 (permalink)
SarahRainey Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: North Chicagoland Posts: 392	The final picture looks very similar to Copper's leg. The left foot pops out more than the other when you're examining him straight on. Although I think both pop outward...like he's been doing a little too much ballet. He's not seen an orthopedic vet yet. But I might need to take him one. I'm read up a little on dysplasia but I'm not sure that explains why that bone is a lot denser than the rest...unless bone density issues also accompany the condition. That part seems genetic but I guess we'll have to take him to the orthopedic vet to determine that. (Our regular vet may also just be plain wrong on the dense-ness issue...always a possibility.) The rescue always told us to keep our bassets lean to avoid the back problems...I'm just not experienced enough with the breed yet to determine a good healthy manageable weight for their size. I'll need to check calorie content on the other brand and I might switch over. __________________ Rescue Mom to Copper 52 pounds (Estimated DOB July '10--Fostered then adopted through BBR, Gotcha Oct. '11) Foster Mom to Jamie doxie/basset born 9/11/2005 Former Foster Mom to Taz & Tommy (trans. to med care 4/12) Ashley (A 3/12) Gwendolyn (A 2/12)and Dudley (A 8/11) Basset Buddies Rescue Grant Writer: (IL, MN, WI) http://bassetbuddiesrescue.org/ If you are looking to adopt young, old, or in between, please let me know!

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