How To Correct Splayed Feet Dog
1. Introduction
Splayed feet in dogs is a condition that affects the alignment of the toes and can cause pain, lameness, and other problems. It is important to recognize the signs of splayed feet in dogs and to seek treatment as soon as possible. This article will discuss what splayed feet is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, prevention measures, and recovery after surgery.
2. What Are Splayed Feet?
Splayed feet in dogs is a condition in which the toes are not correctly aligned and can cause pain, lameness, and other problems. The condition is also known as splay-footedness or plantar flexion deformity. This condition can affect any breed of dog but is more common in certain breeds such as Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Corgis, and Terriers.
3. Causes of Splay Foot in Dogs
The exact cause of splayed feet in dogs is unknown but there are several factors that may contribute to the condition. These include genetics, diet, environment, trauma or injury to the foot or leg, over-exercising or excessive running on hard surfaces, obesity, conformation faults such as long legs or flat feet, and poor nutrition.
4. Signs and Symptoms of Splay Foot in Dogs
The most common sign of splay foot in dogs is the widening of the toes with the outer toes being more affected than the inner toes. Other signs include pain when walking or running, lameness or limping on one or more legs due to discomfort caused by the condition, difficulty standing on hard surfaces such as concrete or tile floors, and difficulty getting up from a sitting position.
5. Diagnosis of Splay Foot in Dogs
In order to diagnose splay foot in dogs your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and take x-rays to evaluate the alignment of the bones in the feet. Your veterinarian may also recommend blood tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing your dog’s symptoms.
6. Treatment Options for Splay Foot in Dogs
Treatment for splay foot in dogs depends on the severity of the condition and may include rest and limited activity until the condition improves; using orthotic devices such as splints or braces; physical therapy; medications such as anti-inflammatories; weight management; shoe inserts; surgical correction; and laser therapy.
7. Prevention of Splay Foot in Dogs
Preventing splay foot in dogs can be done by providing a healthy diet with adequate vitamins and minerals; regular exercise on softer surfaces such as grass; providing appropriate shoes for your dog if they are going to be running on hard surfaces; avoiding excessive running on hard surfaces; avoiding obesity; maintaining good conformation; providing regular check-ups with your veterinarian; and using orthotic devices if needed.
8. Surgery for Treating Splay Foot in Dogs
Surgery may be recommended for severe cases of splay foot where other treatments have failed or if there are significant deformities present that cannot be corrected with nonsurgical treatments alone. The type of surgery used will depend on the severity of your dog’s condition but may involve fusion of bones, tendon transfers, tendon lengthening procedures, joint replacement surgery, osteotomies (bone cuts), or arthrodesis (fusion) procedures.
9. Recovery After Surgery for Splay Foot in Dogs
Recovery after surgery for splay foot depends on several factors including your dog’s age and overall health prior to surgery as well as how extensive their surgery was. Generally speaking most dogs will need at least 8 weeks of rest before slowly reintroducing activity into their lives with help from physical therapy exercises prescribed by your veterinarian if needed.
