Pet Angular Limb Deformity in Lanham, MD - FUSION VETERINARY ORTHOPEDICS

Angular Limb Deformity (ALD)

Common causes and treatments for this condition.

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Angular Limb Deformities?

Angular limb deformities (ALD) in dogs, presenting as "crooked" legs, are commonly caused by damage to growth plates during growth, abnormal skeletal development in chondrodystrophic breeds (e.g., Shih-Tzus, Bassett Hounds, Dachshunds), or poorly aligned fracture healing. The most frequent cause is growth plate damage while the animal is skeletally immature, particularly affecting the lower front limb due to ulnar growth plate damage. The goal of ALD correction is to straighten the limb, improve loading, and preserve joint function. At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, the approach includes an examination, radiographs, and, for severe cases, a CT scan for precise planning using computer software, 3D printing, and virtual surgical planning. ALDs are typically stabilized with bone plates and screws, though external skeletal fixators (ESF) may be used in some cases.

What are

After surgery, your dog will need 8-12 weeks of rest and relaxation, avoiding running, jumping, or playing. Inside the house, they can move around as long as they don’t jump on or off furniture or race up and down stairs; stair usage should be slow and on a leash. Outside, keep them on a leash for bathroom breaks, even in a fenced yard. When unsupervised, they should be confined to a crate, small room, or sectioned-off area to prevent overactivity, which can cause implant issues or delayed healing.

The first two weeks post-surgery involve a lot of rest and may see increased lameness. After this period, Dr. David Dycus will prescribe at-home exercises and controlled leash walks. Staples or sutures will be checked at two weeks, with radiographs around 4, 8, and possibly 12 weeks to monitor healing.

What happens after surgery?

Additionally, starting oral joint supplements and omega-3 fatty acids, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active post-recovery are crucial for managing osteoarthritis and supporting long-term health.

Physical rehabilitation should start two weeks after surgery, involving weekly sessions and at-home exercises for quicker healing and improved muscle mass and range of motion.

Are there any complications?

At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we take great pride ensuring our patients return to as normal function as soon as possible. Particularly, with the ALD surgery, complications noted are implant breakdown (breaking/bending of the plate and/or screws), infection, and soft tissue injuries. Anytime implants are placed in a surgical site there is the chance of infection. Infection rates are low, and during surgery your dog will be given antibiotics and, in some cases, will be sent home with antibiotics after surgery. If an infection does occur, then once the bone is healed the plate and screws will be removed to resolve the infection. Implant break down and soft tissue injuries typically occur from over activity. Many of them will resolve with appropriate rest, rehabilitation, and medications.

Are there any complications?

At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we take great pride ensuring our patients return to as normal function as soon as possible. Particularly, with the ALD surgery, complications noted are implant breakdown (breaking/bending of the plate and/or screws), infection, and soft tissue injuries. Anytime implants are placed in a surgical site there is the chance of infection. Infection rates are low, and during surgery your dog will be given antibiotics and, in some cases, will be sent home with antibiotics after surgery. If an infection does occur, then once the bone is healed the plate and screws will be removed to resolve the infection. Implant break down and soft tissue injuries typically occur from over activity. Many of them will resolve with appropriate rest, rehabilitation, and medications.