Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs

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Angular Limb Deformities in Dogs

By: Dr. Cathy Reese

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Section: Follow-up

Optimal treatment for your pet requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Follow-up can be critical, especially if your pet does not rapidly improve. Administer all prescribed medications as directed. Alert your veterinarian if you are experiencing problems treating your pet.

Follow your veterinarian's instructions for incision and/or bandage care. Your pet may need an Elizabethan collar to prevent chewing or licking at the stitches or bandage.

Follow your veterinarian's instructions for exercise restriction. The bones in your pet's leg have been cut and need time (often 4 to 8 weeks) to mend before running and jumping can be allowed. Too much activity can cause the repair to fail, which can result in less than optimal results and most likely the need for more surgery.

Depending on the severity of the abnormality and the outcome of the surgery, your pet may require further surgery or treatment.

A close working relationship with your veterinarian is critical to the success of the treatment. Frequent re-check examinations allow for early detection and treatment of any problems that may arise.

Abnormal forces placed on the joints can result in arthritis long-term. Arthritis may require medical management in the form of pain relievers and weight management; seek advice from your veterinarian before administering any pain relievers to your pet. Severely affected joints may require surgical fusion to eliminate the source of pain.

Angular limb deformities are complicated problems that require dedicated and observant owners.

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