7 month old pup with limb deformities

[JuliPotter]

I volunteer for our local shelter and about a week ago, a young mixed breed pup, approximately 7 months old, was brought into the shelter by animal control....
In the rear, she appears to be moderately " cow hocked" - toes out, hocks in with a wide based stance. Her quadraceps are tense and there is mild resistance with extension of both hips.
In her thoracic limbs, her toes are splayed, she has carpal hyperextension and I can easily flex her carpus with no resistance at all! She is very thin (BCS 3/9) with generalized muscle atrophy. The shelter staff are assuming that she has been in a crate that was too small for her and she has not been able to stretch out.....she does have multiple pressure sores!
I am considering a carpal support devise such as the Carpal Flex X by Therapaws, for when she is active. Any other suggestions/recommendations you may have would be greatly appreciated!
With much gratitude,
Juli
Sorry, I am having trouble attaching her pictures....I will try to email them to Laurie!

[lehughes]

Pictures!

[lehughes]

Hey Juli,

I think this is nutritional, and that you will hopefully see improvements as nutrition improves.
In the mean time, I'd use controlled exercises so as to preserve the joints as the ligaments tighten (i.e. the bones grow thereby creating more tension in the ligament or tendon).

Swimming or UWT would be great as a low impact cardio work out.

In this scenario, I'd go with a very minimal support carpal wrap... maybe even vet wrap... but only for walks. Nothing too clunky & nothing too restrictive. If you brace the carpus, you might worsen the feet... I have heard of breeders and holistic vets prescribing Vitamin C - ascorbic acid, for joint laxity in puppies. I'm not sure what I think of it, but if any holistic vets feel inclined to comment, I'd be appreciative!

Just start working on slow and steady exercise, and 'functional' ways to get more hip extension (i.e. front feet up on a stool or step while taking a treat; up hill walking; plank)

Best of luck. I bet she'll be a very rewarding case!

Cheers,

Laurie

[JuliPotter]

Thank you so much, Laurie! Maybeline's foster mom reports that she is starting to improve already, just with all the great care she is getting! I know that your suggestions will help increase her progress!! Maybeline is the sweetest little girl!!
Many thanks!
Juli