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Shar Pei Carpal Laxity

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We have all heard of bow-legged humans, but what is it called when puppies portray the same outward bowing of their legs?  Carpal Laxity usually occurs in puppies 6 to 10 weeks of age and results in an outward bowing of the wrist joint in the front of the leg called the carpus.  Normally, this disorder is caused by rapidly growing puppies and is caused from the ligaments not being able to bear the heavy weight before adequate bone development.  Puppies with carpal laxity are usually on higher protein diets as well as vitamin and mineral supplements.

Treatment

Carpal Laxity is a treatable condition if the proper care is taken.  A visit to your veterinarian is the first step toward correcting the problem.  They can rule out other problems affecting the wrist area.

A change in diet is also a good idea with carpal laxity Shar-Pei.  Changing their food to adult maintenance food or puppy diets for large breeds slows down the growth rate to 2-3 pounds per week.  The general rule is one cup of dry food per six pounds of body weight with a maximum of 4-6 cups per day.

Surfaces with good footing can help with carpal laxity.  Try to avoid tile flooring, finished concrete, hardwood floors, linoleum, etc.  Carpet and grass are great surfaces for exercise since they provide good traction for strengthening the legs.

Vitamins and minerals should not be given to puppies with carpal laxity.  If your Shar-Pei is currently taking these supplements, it is recommended that you stop giving them to your pup.

Another way to help cure carpal laxity is to wrap the wrists in Ace bandages for additional support.  This should be done along with the other suggestions listed above for a maximum preventative.

If precautions are taken, front legs can straighten up within one to two weeks.  If the problem still persists, X-rays should be taken to further evaluate the problem.  The problem may consist of premature closure of the growth plates, bone cysts, or other problems.