Angular Limb Deformity in Dogs: Types and How To Help Your Dog

Much like human children, puppies can have orthopedic (bone and joint) abnormalities that affect their overall growth and development. If you’re noticing a bend or twist in one or more of your young dog’s legs, you might be looking at an angular limb deformity.  

Learn about the causes of angular limb deformities in dogs, treatment for the condition, and what you can do to prevent angular limb deformities in your pup. 

What Are Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs?

An angular limb deformity is abnormal limb growth and development that happens when a growth plate on a bone closes too early or grows too quickly.  

When a growth plate on one bone closes too early, the paired bone continues to grow. This can cause the limb to bend or twist in an abnormal direction at the joints.  

For example, there are two bones in a dog’s forearm—the radius and ulna. If the growth plate at the bottom of the ulna stops growing and the radius continues growing, the radius will twist and bend as it grows. Its ability to grow in a straight line is impaired by the restricted length of the ulna. 

An angular limb deformity is not an emergency, but you should contact your veterinarian if you are concerned that your dog’s limbs are not developing normally.  

However, if your puppy has a broken limb, they should get urgent care to have the best chance of avoiding abnormal limb development. 

Types of Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs 

The most common types of angular limb deformities in dogs are carpal valgus and carpal varus, which affect the wrist(s) of the front leg(s). Angular limb deformities are more common in dogs’ front legs. 

• Carpal valgus: With this condition, the paws are turned outward.  

• Carpal varus: With this condition, the elbows are often bowed out, and the paws are turned inward. 

In truth, the overall classification of angular limb deformities can be quite complicated, depending on various factors such as the number of growth plates affected, the degree of twist, the angulation of the limbs, and the specific bones involved. Veterinary specialists are still developing classification systems to define angular limb deformities. 

Symptoms of Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs

The most common symptoms of angular limb deformities in dogs include: 

• Visible twisting or turning of a limb 

• Bowlegged appearance 

• Lameness or limping in the affected limb 

• Pain when the affected joints are touched 

Causes of Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs

Trauma to a growth plate can cause it to close early. This can happen because of a fracture through the growth plate or a crush injury to the growth plate (such as being stepped on).  

Premature closure of a growth plate is the most common cause of angular limb deformity in dogs.  

Puppies can also get angular limb deformities if they have a developmental disorder, such as hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD). Some of these conditions have a genetic aspect, while others may be caused by nutritional problems.  

Large-breed puppies who are not fed a diet that’s right for a growing large-breed dog are also at risk of angular limb deformities.  

How Veterinarians Diagnose Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs

Veterinarians can usually diagnose an angular limb deformity with a physical examination.  

Vets are likely to request X-rays to more fully understand the cause and severity of the angulation, as well as look at secondary side effects.  

For example, with premature closure of a growth plate at the bottom of the ulna in the front leg, the radius can push up on the humerus (the upper-arm bone), causing subluxation (partial dislocation) of the elbow. 

For complicated cases or cases that need surgery, you will likely be referred to a board-certified veterinary surgeon for advanced diagnostics and treatment. To fully understand the abnormality, some specialists may request a CT scan.  

Pet parents don’t generally need to do much to prepare for their first consult. If your veterinarian plans to sedate your dog for imaging, they might ask that you don’t feed your dog the day of your appointment. 

Make sure to let your veterinarian know: 

• What you feed your dog 

• If your dog had an injury in the last few months, such as falling, getting stepped on, or being hit by a car 

• Any signs that you’ve noticed, such as limping 

Treatment of Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs

Mild abnormalities might not seem to affect your dog’s quality of life. For these cases, treatment might not be recommended.  

Surgery is recommended to fix angular limb deformities that cause symptoms. These surgeries are usually done by a board-certified veterinary surgeon, and the specific surgery used will depend on your dog’s specific angular limb deformity.  

For growing puppies with premature closure of the lower ulnar growth plate, the most common procedure is called an ulnar ostectomy, in which a cut is made through the ulna to release tension on the elbow and wrist. For some angular limb deformities, portions of bone are removed.  

If you choose medical management for your dog, you should expect your dog to get arthritis in the affected limb as they age.  

Medical management may include anti-inflammatory pain medications, such as carprofen or grapiprant. You may also consider joint supplements, such as Dasuquin.  

Speak with your veterinarian before starting any medications or supplements.

Recovery and Management of Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs

Angular limb deformities in dogs can generally be surgically repaired with a good outcome.  

You should expect your dog to have a bandage or splint on for several weeks after surgery. 

Some dogs might have external hardware, such as external fixators (frames used to stabilize bones and joints), for several weeks as they recover. You’ll need to limit your dog’s exercise for about six weeks after surgery until their bone has healed.  

Your veterinarian might recommend physical rehabilitation during that time.  

Your pup will likely need a recovery cone until all sutures or external hardware are removed. Keep your pup comfortable during recovery with a soft recovery bed. 

Pain management is key and may include medications such as carprofen, meloxicam, and/or gabapentin.  

For very energetic puppies, your veterinarian might also recommend anti-anxiety or sedative medications like trazodone to ease recovery. 

Prevention of Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs

Not all cases of angular limb deformities are preventable, but there are steps you can take to protect your puppy as they grow and develop. 

These include:  

• Feeding your dog a diet that meets Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for growth. In large-breed dogs, choose a food that specifically says it meets AAFCO’s standards for large-size dogs.  

• Always keeping your dog in a fenced-in yard or on leash to prevent injury by vehicles. 

• Choosing low-impact exercise for growing puppies. Vigorous or high-impact exercises can damage growth plates. 

• Seeing your veterinarian regularly and making an appointment if your puppy has an injury to their leg.