Pes Varus in Dachshunds: A Guide to Care and Recovery

Pes varus in Dachshunds is a common issue that can cause discomfort and pain for your furry friend. It's a deformity of the foot that can lead to arthritis and long-term damage if left untreated.

Dachshunds are prone to pes varus due to their unique body shape and breeding history. In fact, studies have shown that up to 70% of Dachshunds will develop some form of pes varus by the age of 5.

Pes varus can cause your Dachshund to limp or show signs of pain when walking or running. If you notice your dog is favoring one leg or showing signs of discomfort, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out pes varus.

Treatment for pes varus typically involves a combination of surgery, physical therapy, and pain management. The goal is to realign the foot and alleviate pressure on the affected joint, allowing your Dachshund to walk comfortably and pain-free.

Making things easier for your Dachshund at home can be a big help if he has pes varus. By placing his basket and feeding bowls near the door, you reduce the distance he has to travel if he needs to go potty.

If you have polished or slick floors, put down rugs in areas where your dog spends time. This way, he can grip the floor better with his paws.

To help your Dachshund in the long run, you can send a sample of his blood to the Canine Health Information Center. This will enable the veterinary community to research further the genetics behind the condition and help reduce the incidence of pes varus in future generations.

If your Dachshund has varus, a common condition that causes the legs to turn inward, there are some things you can do to make life easier for them.

Place your dog's basket and feeding bowls near the door to reduce the distance they have to travel if they need to go potty.

Polished or slick floors can be a challenge for dogs with varus, so consider putting down rugs in areas where your dog spends time to give them better grip with their paws.

Rugs can make a big difference in reducing slipping and sliding, which can be painful for your dog.

For your interest: Dog Harness for Mini Dachshund

As a dachshund owner, you're likely familiar with the unique needs and challenges of this breed. Genetics can play a role in pes varus, a common issue in dachshunds.

In some cases, the condition can be caused by poor nutrition, such as a lack of calcium. However, this is unlikely if your puppy is on a high-quality kibble specific to their needs.

If you're experiencing issues with pes varus in your miniature dachshund puppy, it's essential to rule out other potential causes. A fall can sometimes lead to hip displasia, but this is not the case for FL's puppy, as confirmed by a vet X-ray check.

Related reading: Dachshunds Dogs

Here are some potential causes to consider:

It's worth noting that FL's breeder believes genetics is not the only cause of pes varus, and that none of the other puppies in the same litter have the issue. However, this does not necessarily rule out a genetic component.

Pes varus in dachshunds is a common issue, and it's essential to understand what it is. Pes varus deformity refers to a condition where the tibia, or shin bone, is angled outward, causing the dog's foot to point outward.

This condition can lead to lameness, which is a significant concern for dachshund owners. Fortunately, studies have shown that lameness resolves in 90% of dachshunds after correction.

Pes varus deformity can also cause lateral patella luxation, or LPL, where the kneecap slips out of place. In this study, LPL was detected in 39.2% of affected pelvic limbs, but all cases resolved after pes varus correction.

The good news is that pes varus deformity can be corrected with a relatively simple surgery. A study found that medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal tibia, stabilized with a mini hybrid external skeletal fixator, was effective in correcting the deformity.

Puppies with mild pes varus often show early signs of lameness and limping.

As the leg continues to grow, the paw begins to point inward due to the resistance of the closed shin bone plates.

Depending on the severity, the deformity can lead to dogs being unable to walk around or play with their friends.

Left untreated, varus will lead to severe osteoarthritis and joint problems, ultimately causing complete immobility.

Genetic mutations are a primary cause of the condition, with a significant proportion of cases resulting from inherited mutations.

A family history of the condition increases a person's risk, with multiple affected family members being a strong indicator.

Age is also a risk factor, with the condition typically manifesting in early adulthood.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals, have been linked to an increased risk of developing the condition.

In some cases, the condition can be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Pes varus deformity in dachshunds can be corrected by medial opening wedge osteotomy of the distal tibia stabilised by a hybrid external skeletal fixator or a locking plate system.

Lameness resolves in most dogs after surgery, with 90% of dachshunds experiencing improved mobility after correction, according to one study.

In severe cases, dogs may become immobile and develop osteoarthritis if left untreated.

A frame is attached to the joint after surgery to keep it secure, typically for 8 to 16 weeks.

Lateral patella luxation, a common complication of pes varus deformity, can be resolved with pes varus correction alone.

Care to preserve the lateral cortex of the osteotomy may help avoid under-correction.

Mean frontal plane alignment of the tibiae in dogs with pes varus deformity is 25° varus, compared to 12.3° valgus in normal tibiae.

Angular correction ranges between 30° and 50°, with a mean of 39°.

Single-session bilateral pes varus corrections can be performed with minimal morbidity.

If this caught your attention, see: Dachshund Dogs