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I am seeing a 13 month old intact male golden retriever for carpal hyperextension or as the breeder says dropped carpus ( is that carpi?). This is the 2 week recheck with no change

Exercises: we are trying to get him to do some digging activity, some work on the ball with push ups following a treat. Encouraging the owners to walk him on different surfaces- male owner is in charge of that and is not getting that done. started him in the underwater treadmill today

Supplements: Ligaplex II BY Standard Process he is 60lbs and is on 1 bid

Diet: Fromms Four Star Chicken and Ala Veg diet

I had thought to put him in carpal braces a few hours a day, the owner vetoed that

Suggestions on
Exercises:
Diet:
supplement

Thanks,
Nancy Peterson DVM, CCRT, CVA, CVSMT

Hi Nancy,

Sounds like a frustrating situation. I had one a few years ago - similarly, no trauma, just dropped carpus. The surgeon had said, "Walk on soft surfaces, do nothing different (no jumping naturally), and it will self correct.' I said, wear a carpal brace, and as he's growing, it might tighten. The owner did a combination. We did plenty of UWT as a way to exercise with low impact. Long story short, he's now 5 or 6 - still hyperextends. It's worse when he's tired, and he has OA in both elbows and carpi.

So... I do think it's best to have some degree of support for the joints... even if just a neoprene wrap. I have found a handful of referencing in books (mostly lay person-type books, but one written by a holistic vet) regarding supplementing with Vitamin C. (A short pubmed search just a second ago, reveals nothing in regards to this!)

Unfortunately, I"m not the best to comment on diet (or supplements) hopefully others will pipe up. But, off the top of my head, would a Ketogenic diet result in less inflammation... which may (or may not) have an impact on the tendon & ligamentous laxity? Long shot to be honest!

It sounds like you are doing the best you can and thinking along the right direction. Unfortunately, you don't have an owner that is willing to do 'everything it might take' to get the dog better. I'd say just persist with your current plan.

Laurie

thanks for the input, I will try again for at least a light wrap and try and think of an acceptable inside digging activity.

maybe treats just on the other side of a baby gate? Mouth can't reach but paws can. We will give it a try

Nancy Peterson DVM. CCRT, CVA, CVSMT
Pawsitive Strides Veterinary Rehabilitation and Therapy

Good luck! Keep us posted!
Laurie