Carpal injuries in pets, especially in active dogs and cats, are more common than many pet owners realize. The carpus, or wrist joint, plays a critical role in supporting your pet’s weight and facilitating movement. When a carpal injury occurs, it can significantly affect your pet’s mobility and quality of life. At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, Dr. Dycus and team specialize in diagnosing and treating orthopedic conditions, including carpal injuries. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and recovery process for carpal injuries in pets.

What Are Carpal Injuries?

The carpal joint in pets, located in the front limbs, is composed of several small bones, ligaments, and tendons. This complex structure provides both stability and flexibility, allowing pets to run, jump, and perform various activities. Carpal injuries occur when one or more of these components are damaged due to trauma, overuse, or congenital issues.

  • Trauma: Falls, accidents, or collisions can lead to fractures, sprains, or ligament tears.
  • Overuse: High-energy pets, such as working dogs or those engaged in agility training, are prone to repetitive stress injuries in the carpus.
  • Congenital Issues: Some pets are born with conditions that predispose them to carpal instability.

Symptoms of Carpal Injuries:

Recognizing the signs of a carpal injury is key to seeking timely veterinary care. If your pet shows any of the following symptoms, it’s important to consult a veterinarian:

  • Lameness or Limping: Your pet may favor the injured limb, avoiding putting weight on it.
  • Swelling: The carpal joint may appear swollen compared to the other front leg’s carpal joint.
  • Pain: Pets may show signs of pain when the wrist is touched or during movement.
  • Instability: If ligaments are damaged, the carpal joint may become unstable, causing abnormal joint movement or “buckling.”

If you observe these signs, schedule an evaluation with our team at Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics to determine the severity of the injury and discuss treatment options.

Diagnosing Carpal Injuries:

A proper diagnosis is essential for determining the best course of treatment. At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we use a combination of physical examinations and advanced imaging techniques to assess the extent of carpal injuries.

Diagnostic Steps:

  • Physical Examination: Our veterinarians will assess your pet’s range of motion, joint stability, and level of discomfort.
  • X-rays (Radiographs): Radiographs help identify fractures or dislocations within the carpal joint.
  • Advanced Imaging: In some cases, we may use a CT scan to further evaluate damage.

Treatment Options for Carpal Injuries:

The treatment for carpal injuries depends on the severity of the damage. At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we offer both non-surgical and surgical options to restore your pet’s mobility.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

For mild to moderate injuries, conservative management may be effective in promoting healing.

  • Rest and Immobilization: Injuries such as sprains or mild fractures may heal with rest and the use of splints or bandages to immobilize the joint.
  • Pain Management: Anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain and swelling in the carpal joint.
  • Physical Therapy: Once the initial healing phase is complete, rehabilitation exercises help restore strength and flexibility to the injured joint.

Surgical Treatments:

In cases of severe injury, such as ligament ruptures or complex fractures, surgery may be required to stabilize the carpal joint.

  • Carpal Arthrodesis: This procedure involves fusing the bones in the carpal joint to provide stability and eliminate pain in cases of significant joint damage.
  • Ligament Repair: For ligament tears, surgical repair may be necessary to restore joint function and prevent future instability.

Recovery and Rehabilitation:

Rehabilitation is a critical part of the recovery process following carpal injuries, whether surgical or non-surgical. At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we provide tailored rehabilitation programs to ensure your pet makes a full recovery.

  • Post-Surgical Care: If your pet undergoes surgery, strict rest will be required for a time to help the joint to heal properly. Our team will provide detailed instructions on managing your pet’s recovery at home.
  • Physical Therapy: Controlled exercises will be introduced gradually to improve strength and flexibility in the affected limb.
  • Follow-Up: Regular check-ups will help monitor your pet’s progress and ensure the recovery and return-to-function  is going as planned.

Preventing Carpal Injuries:

While not all carpal injuries are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk, particularly in active or working pets:

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put additional stress on joints, increasing the risk of injury.
  • Moderate Activity Levels: Avoid overexerting your pet, especially in activities that involve jumping or sudden movements.

Carpal Injury Experts:

Carpal injuries in pets can lead to significant discomfort and mobility issues, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, most pets can recover fully. At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for pets with orthopedic conditions, including carpal injuries. If you suspect your pet is suffering from a carpal injury, contact us today to schedule a consultation.