My rescued puppy has a paw birth defect. Will she live with a limp?

Question

I just rescued a 6 month old puppy with a birth defect in her front paw. 2 bones in the paw are joined together and 1 is crooked. The gap between the two joined together and the crooked one is much larger then normal and I was wondering if this is something she will just be able to live with or not. She will still walk on it but the more we play she has a minor limp and will hold the special paw limp when sitting. She can apply pressure with the paw as well. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 30 lbs

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. Without x-rays it is impossible to know what is actually going on in the paw. It is difficult to say if this will bother her more as she matures, but you really do not have too many options. Perhaps a surgery to fuse & stabilize the paw may be helpful, but will not eliminate all pain & discomfort & you certainly would not amputate the leg unless she began to self-mutilate the paw. So, unless you can have the paw x-rayed, I would take a wait & see how she does. If she over does it when you play with her, then make sure she rests the leg. Otherwise, I would try to avoid pain relieves in such a young dog. Perhaps, once her bones are finished growing & maturing, she may actually do quite well. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

My rescued puppy has a paw birth defect. Will she live with a limp?

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