What Causes Carpal Hyperextension in Dogs?

What is carpal hyperextension?

Hyperextension means overextending of the joint. The carpus is the wrist joint and in this condition a patient develops collapse of the carpus where the joint starts to drop and get closer to the ground.

What Causes Carpal Hyperextension in Dogs?

There are 3 main causes of carpal hyperextension, congenital deformity, traumatic injury, and degenerative hyperextension.

Congenital Deformity

Congenital carpal hyperextension happens when the ligaments in your puppy’s carpal (wrist) joint don’t develop full strength as your puppy grows. Sometimes referred to as Carpal Laxity Syndrome, with this condition typically the dog will have a malformation of the ligaments in both front legs. In the most severe cases, the dog’s carpal and wrist may even touch the ground when the puppy walks.

Trauma Injury

Traumatic injury is the most common cause of canine carpal hypertension. Hyperextension can be caused by excessive force on the carpal, where the dog’s joint bends more than it should and overstretches the joint. This leads to tearing of the ligaments and fibrocartilage on the back of the forelimb, causing the carpal joint’s collapse. This often occurs after a fall and injuries while exercising and playing.

Degenerative

While it is less common, carpal hyperextension can occur in dogs with immune-mediated joint disease or degenerative conditions of the ligaments. Hyperextension due to joint degeneration is most common among the Collie breed and senior dogs. When a dog falls and lands primarily on his front legs, the force of landing can cause the carpus to hyperextend (bend more than usual), tearing the ligaments that stabilize this joint.

What can we do for Carpal Hyperextension?

 In mild ligamental disease, the carpal joint can be supported with a brace to aid dog stability. Dog Carpal Support Brace are designed to fit and support the natural angles of your dog’s leg. It helped rectify dog's carpal hyperextension. LOVEPLUSPET Carpal Support for Dogs designed for Weak or painful wrists, multiple style for you to choose, easy to put on and take off.