.png)
Dogs front feet structure and alignment has a huge impact on function. If the front feet do not move or stand correctly this can create issues in locomotion and stance, as well as compensatory issues in other areas.
Dogs feet structurally can have one of two types:
It is more common in my experience to see issues in dogs that have a hare foot. A great example is Greyhounds. Toe issues are extremely common, and they have a hare foot with very long toes.
The thing with toes, and feet is that they are complex in terms of structure. They are essentially a ton of tendons and ligaments, with the vast majority of muscles acting from much higher up.
Tendons and ligaments take much longer to heal if there has been injury, and are difficult to change in terms of form. Once the integrity of the structure of ligaments and tendons is compromised it may never regain its full biomechanical capacity.
Issues with toes, feet and carpals could include:
Toe injuries
Nail bed issues
Splayed toes and feet
Hyperextended carpals
'Loose' feet
What might cause issues in front feet?
Injury or trauma
Nutrition related issues in young dogs
Medical conditions
Post season / pregnancy hormones
Increased load onto the front feet due to orthopaedic issues in the rear end
There are a large amount of treatment options depending on the cause, and severity of the issue. These can include growth factors and PRP, surgical intervention, braces, biophysical stimulation, good quality joint supplementation like 4CYTE, and diet (Omega-3 and good quality protein for example).
It's also important to keep nails short, as this will help keep the foot in correct form.
Mechanical loading of the tendons and ligaments is vital for repair and regaining tensile strength. This means appropriate exercise. My focus for increasing load in the front limb with toes and wrists in mind is to ensure correct alignment and form whilst exercises are being performed.
Here's some examples:
Additional readings
Comments