Does My Dog Have Carpal Hyperextension, a Carpal Injury or Front Paw Knuckling?

The carpal is the front leg wrist area in your dog. There are a few different types of carpal issues that your dog could have, and it is important to get the correct diagnosis. 

Make sure you go to your vet for a confirmed diagnosis.

If you're noticing your dog having problems with their wrist, here are a few medical conditions it could be:

• Carpal Hyperextension

This is when the ligaments in your dog's wrist have got stretched. The wrist then starts to get closer to the floor. When you feel your dog's front leg, the limb can feel floppy. There are carpal extension treatments and ways you can help your dog.

Read about Carpal Hyperextention: Causes, Prevention and How to Help

Find more about Carpal Hyperextension Braces & Supports here

• Dog Carpal Injuries

These include arthritis in the wrist area, carpal strain, or carpal damage. Compared to Carpal Hyperextension above, the wrist might not get closer to the floor, but it's possible. Arthritis for example, can make the joint stiff and painful for your dog to walk on.

Read more about Carpal Injuries in dogs here. 

• Front Paw Knuckling 

This is when your dog's front paw, most likely only one, not both at the same time, will curl under or start to drag. It can be difficult to watch, as your dog will struggle to walk normally. Sometimes they will become unbalanced and wobbly. Front paw knuckling is best treated with a custom front knuckling brace which can help flatten the paw back, to a more normal position.

Read more about front knuckling in dogs here.