[Kayla]

Hello!

I rescued my 2 year old basset hound, Sammy, almost a year ago and have noticed his front right wrist becoming more and more "knuckled over." It doesn't really bother him too much except for after he exercises he is more prone to have a knuckled over rest position and a slight limp when he walks and runs. I'm reaching out because I notice it becoming worse and I'm wondering if anyone has experience with a brace for this kind of issue. I schedule a vet visit next week to get a professional opinion on some braces I've found.

Here are some pics of Sammy's leg:

Thank you!!

 

[Mikey T]

you might want to send a PM to Wworm he has/had one.

 

[Kayla]

 

[MomosMum]

If he's 2 now, I honestly don't think a brace is going to do much. He could have surgery to correct this but again it has to be done by somebody who knows what they are doing (we have a 'bionic vet' here in the UK who does this kind of repair surgery with great success, usually....Professor Noel Fitzpatrick - Fitzpatrick Referrals)

The trouble with this all too often seen fault in the breed is later on, he may well develop arthritis. I think you need to talk at length with your vet who may well offer to refer you to a specialist. It's going to be costly, but if you have insurance, it might cover any work done.

Poor boy.

 

[Kayla]

Thank you for advice! I've been meeting with a local ortho vet that and I'm leaning towards the surgery this summer, she said the same thing about bracing at this point. He's had radiographs of both legs and already has arthritis in both elbows and shoulders.

 

[Mikey T]

Knuckling over is a lacticity in the tendon of the wrist. Surgery is not going to help that!!! A brace help. Think of it akin to an always sprained ankle. Keep in mind there is more going on in the leg than knuckling over. which is the turn out of the leg. Surgery can correct that but whether that helps the knuckling over is doubt full. When it comes to surgery on basset front on opinion is never enough you need three or four.

I tend to more conservative approach as I have seen people spend 10,000 or more to fix only to have look better but make no difference or even increase the long term pain degenerative joint issue because the surgery had no real effect on the joint. Angular Limb Deformity

 

[Kayla]

We go on walks every day and his leg sometimes buckles and causes him to trip. Recently he tripped and knocked one of his front teeth out. Because I have seen his leg become progressively worse and he's tripping more often, I went to our vet, who referred me to a canine physical therapist, who referred me to an orthopedic surgeon.

I can understand your conservative approach to surgery. I am wrestling with the idea myself.

The expense of the surgery is not my main concern. I want to do what is best for him and the quality of his life.

 

[Mikey T]

" I want to do what is best for him and the quality of his life."


Surgery of this type is often not a cure or a help. need to consult multiple orthopedic surgeons

 

[Kayla]

I believe you. I also trust the surgeon that I am consulting and that she wouldn't recommend a procedure that would be harmful for my pet.

 

[3kbasset]

sophie also was "falling" due to the deformity. her right front leg was so bad we didn't even notice the left also had a deformity

for us, the surgery was the best option. she was a young dog with her whole active life ahead of her.

ortho surgeon said he didn't think the left leg deformity warranted surgery (at least for now)

don't know if I posted these for you before but some before and after X-rays, etc. don't know how good you are at X-rays but problems top, middle and bottom. part of bone removed, plate and pins placed and joints realigned. 5 weeks of cage rest and fine

 

[3kbasset]

and a look post surgery (yes, I grabbed that stick away from her)

 

[Kayla]

That is so helpful! She looks just like my Sammy I will be sure to let you know how it goes.

 

[MomosMum]

Surgery is not going to help that!!!

Actually said Noel Fitzpatrick here in the UK does this kind of surgery A LOT on dogs with similar deformities. From Bassets, to Dachsies to all kinds inbetween. It isn't always as successful as hoped, but Noel's result rate is generally excellent. And if you check the link to the website I put here, you'll see he has colaborated with the USA. It might be worth looking into. As he works with referrals, maybe your vet might be willing to contact him and see if anything can be arranged, even between countries?

 

[Mikey T]

see the follow thread

http://www.basset.net/boards/general-basset-hound-discussion/9327-how-s-casper.html'a

and attached photo of BetsyIole's rescue casper. With two horible looking legs but got along fine to a ripe old age.

 

[notadachshund]

Thanks Mike!. I did create a new post in the genetics category yesterday. Basically it was a little history on Scout and my consideration of a carpal support sleeve... Maybe I'll get a reply sometime..