Is Your Dachshund Bow-Legged?
Is Your Dachshund Bow-Legged?
Dachshunds are susceptible to a disorder called "bow-legged syndrome," also known as pes varus. The hind legs of dachshunds are already slightly curved, and pes varus is a development of this deformity. It occurs when one front leg is longer than the other, and it is evident when the dog walks or stands. Surgery is usually needed to correct the problem, and a dog with a bow-legged syndrome should be treated by a veterinarian.
The deformity can occur at any age, but it may start as early as five weeks old or as late as twelve weeks. In some cases, the condition can appear suddenly and without warning. While some puppies do not display any symptoms, others may go unnoticed for months. Even if your puppy does exhibit the signs of bow-leggedness, it is still important to see a veterinarian for proper diagnosis.
Some signs of a dog being bow-legged include stiffness and pain. If your dachshund has trouble with its hind legs, the first thing to do is to take it to the vet for a check-up. Check your dog's normal movement. If it takes longer to walk, bend its legs while eating, or drinking. If your dog refuses to bend their rear, it could be due to a knee problem.
There is a debate about whether or not your dachshund is bow-legged. The question arises from the fact that the front legs of Dachshunds are usually turned out very slightly and are not 'fit for purpose' when the dog grows. In short, a dog with a bow-legged condition should not be restricted or cause pain. Its owners should consider all this when choosing a dog.
If your dog's leg deformity is a problem with the knee, you should seek medical attention. A doctor can fix the condition, which is usually congenital. If detected early enough, the dog can be treated. A dog with luxated patella will not show symptoms until four or five months of age. Once the dog is examined by a veterinarian, the condition will be easily detected.
Bow-legged Dachshunds are affected by pes varus, a developmental deformity. It occurs when the shinbone growth plate closes too early. This deformity can cause the dog to be lame or limp. If left untreated, pes varus can lead to complete lameness and a dog with bowed legs. If your dog is bow-legged, it may be indicative of a more serious underlying condition. If you notice your dog is bow-legged, he may have pes varus or PV.
Pes varus can lead to a deformed tibia. This deformity affects one or both legs. Fortunately, there are medical treatments that can correct this deformity. Andra O'Connell, an Amtekel breeder, first encountered pes varus when her puppy was about four months old. She was unable to identify the condition in her puppy until she found out she had a pup with a "bow-legged" leg.
If the elbows of your dachshund are too deformed, your dog may be suffering from elbow dysplasia. The elbow joint is made up of three bones, which are not properly formed. The deformity will result in uneven weight distribution, joint pain, and arthritis. Mild cases of the disease can be treated with braces or orthopedic surgery. In severe cases, however, the dog may need surgery to correct the deformity.
The deformity is also known as antebrachial growth deformity. In this disorder, the front leg is shorter than the other. This results in an abnormal gait. The resulting problem may lead to other health problems such as joint pain, arthritis, or bone deformation. The cause of this deformity is not known, but veterinarians may prescribe medication to help ease the discomfort.
