Crooked Paws

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I promised my friend I'd find answers to some of her questions about her doodle (she's not on this site), and this is another one. Her large standard goldendoodle Hank, 8 months, has front paws that are slightly turned either out or in, I can't remember which. The vet said that it shouldn't cause any health problems but she can correct it with surgery for 'esthetic' reasons. My friend is of the mind that if it isn't bothering him then there is not need to put him through the surgery. His paws are beautiful just the way they are!

Just wondering if anyone on here has had any experience with this and if you think it will be ok if she's leaves his paws the way they are or if there will be any long term repercussions, like joint problems or something down the road ...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

If it were Tara I think I would like the opinion of a specialist on the paw issue. It seems like it would put stress on other joints over time.  If people don't walk with their feet pointed straight ahead it can cause hip and back issues but I don't know if it works the same way with 4 legged people! LOL! I think she should research it a bit more and get a second opinion.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with you. I don't know about dogs, but human feet that turn in or out can cause lifelong orthopedic issues with the back, hips, and knees.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Starlit does not have crooked paws but her back legs are severely bowed.  Like she was riding a horse, a really fat horse, and just got off.  The vet thought it may be just her length ( she is extra long) or was in a cage too long in early life. 

I do worry that she will eventually develop problems.  It is a really strange walk.  I've looked at videos on hip displasia and tried to take some videos myself of her strange gait.   She seems to be just fine though. 

As for your friend's dog paws, I think it would trip over on itself.  Small babies get this and most often it can be corrected with shoes.  What or how though, would you correct it in a dog?   I have to agree with your friend.  If it is not going to bother the dog, it posses no danger, then leave him alone. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I've re-thought this ...... this one is tough. If you can improve life-long problems and pain with surgery than maybe she should get a second opinion about having surgery.

When though, does the pain of surgery outweigh the when and ifs of life-long back and hip problems?  I don't know.

 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I agree it would be a tough call. Hopefully a specialist would be able to tell her what the future might hold for Hank with or without the surgery. I just think she needs more information in order to make an informed decision. I'm not sure ignoring it now, based on one vet's opinion, is the best way to go.

[Jennifer and "Cooper"]

My mom's pekingese had a similar problem.  When he was young, both his front feet turned out mildly.  As he got older they got worse and worse until they were both turned out about 50 degrees.  As the turning progressed, it put a lot of stress on the other joints thoughout his body.  And one of his front legs would actually pop out of joint quite often due to the misalignment. The last 6 years of his life he literally waddled.  

I would seek a second opinion if it was my dog just for peace of mind. 

 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Thanks guys. I will suggest the specialist approach. I know the vet said it's nothing too serious, mostly it doesn't look right, but I still agree that if it were a person we would correct it so they don't get back and hip problems.

 

 

 

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

I think you also need to consider the fact that he is a large doodle.  I've found that the large dogs, especially active ones, put a lot of stress on those legs. Lynne