Understanding Shih Tzu Front Legs Bowed Deformity

Shih Tzus are known for their adorable, fluffy faces and sweet personalities, but some of them can be born with a physical characteristic that can be concerning to owners: front legs bowed deformity.

This condition is also known as bowleggedness, and it's more common in Shih Tzus than other breeds. The front legs are bowed outward, which can cause the dog to appear to be knock-kneed.

The bowed deformity is usually noticeable at a young age, and it's often seen in Shih Tzus that are under 6 months old.

If you notice your Shih Tzu limping on one or both forelimbs, it could be a sign of a problem with their front legs. This is a common sign of angular limb deformity in breeds with short, bowed limbs.

Angular limb deformity can occur in either the radius/ulna (front leg) or tibia/fibula (hind leg) of your dog, and is often caused by asynchronous growth of a pair of bones. One bone will stop growing early, causing the other bone to bend and twist.

Suggestion: Shih Tzu Leg Problems

Certain breeds, such as Bulldogs, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso, are more likely to experience angular limb deformity due to being selectively bred. This means that even if your Shih Tzu is not showing any signs of a problem, regular consultations with your veterinary surgeon during puppyhood can help with early recognition of any potential issues.

If you notice your dog limping on one or both forelimbs, it could be a sign of a problem.

For breeds with short, bowed limbs, limping is a common sign of a deformity. This is especially true for dogs from breeds that typically have short, bowed limbs, such as Dachshunds.

Visible limb deformity is a significant sign, especially if your puppy is not from a breed where a bowlegged posture is expected. If you notice a visible deformity, consult with a specialist orthopaedic surgeon as early as possible.

Deformities can occur in either the radius/ulna (front leg) or tibia/fibula (hind leg) of your dog.

Additional reading: Shihtzu Dogs

Dog knuckling, also known as carpal hyperextension, is a common sign of angular limb deformities in dogs. It occurs when the carpal joint in the front leg extends too far, causing the dog to walk on its knuckles.

If you notice your dog walking on its knuckles, it's essential to bring it to the veterinarian's attention, especially if it's a breed that typically has short, bowed limbs.

Regular check-ups with the veterinarian during puppyhood can help with early recognition of any problems, making it easier to address them before they become more severe.

In dogs with angular limb deformities, the radius/ulna (front leg) or tibia/fibula (hind leg) can be affected, leading to visible limb deformities.

Here are some common signs of angular limb deformities in dogs:

Keep in mind that certain breeds, such as Dachshunds, are more prone to pathological deformities in both the fore and hind limbs.

Diagnosing a Shih Tzu's front legs bowed issue can be a bit tricky, especially if the dog is from a breed that naturally has short, bowed limbs. Your veterinarian may refer you to a specialist in orthopedic conditions for a thorough evaluation process.

A thorough evaluation process typically includes radiographs of your dog's limbs, which may require sedation or general anesthesia. Computed tomography (CT) images may also be recommended to help the veterinarian or orthopedic surgeon create a 3D image of your dog's limb.

Regular check-ups with the veterinarian are essential for breeds that naturally have short, bowed limbs, as it can be challenging to determine whether there is a real issue. Your veterinarian will likely request radiographs of your dog's limbs to assess the extent of the deformity and the pain and discomfort it causes.

The diagnosis process may involve a specialist in orthopedic conditions, and the veterinarian may need to examine your dog to get an idea of the extent of the deformity and what pain and discomfort it causes. Sedation or general anesthesia will be required for the radiograph, which is an essential step in diagnosing the issue.

Here are the key steps in the diagnosis process:

The treatment for a Shih Tzu's front legs bowed issue typically involves surgery to restore the congruence of the joints and realign the deformed bones. The veterinarian will seek to reduce or eliminate pain, resolve angular and rotational alignment issues, and prevent future deformities as the bones continue to grow.

Angular limb deformities in dogs are a common issue, and for Shih Tzus, it's a breed-specific trait. These deformities can occur in either the radius/ulna (front leg) or tibia/fibula (hind leg) of your dog.

The most common cause of angular limb deformity is asynchronous growth of a pair of bones, where one bone stops growing prematurely and acts as a bowstring, causing the paired bone to bend and twist. Some breeds, like Bulldogs, Shih Tzu, and Lhasa Apso, are more likely to experience angular limb deformity due to being selectively bred.

In young dogs, angular limb deformities can occur due to a physical injury or genetics. If your Shih Tzu is experiencing a deformity, it's essential to bring them to the veterinarian for an evaluation as soon as possible.

Here are some common signs of angular limb deformities in dogs:

The veterinarian may request radiographs of your dog's limbs to diagnose the deformity. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore the congruence of the joints and realign the deformed bones.

If your Shih Tzu is experiencing bowed front legs, surgery is likely the best course of treatment. Typically, surgery involves hardware to hold the bone together until it fully heals, which can take around 12 weeks.

The goal of surgery is to restore the natural alignment of the joints and bones, reducing pain and preventing future deformities. Your veterinarian will seek to restore congruence of the joints through surgery, often by cutting the shorter bone near the impacted joint.

The deformed bones will be cut and realigned, allowing the contiguous joints to be aligned correctly. This is usually done using plates-and-screws or external skeletal fixation.

In some cases, portions of the bone may be removed to prevent future bowing as the dog continues to grow. If your Shih Tzu is young and has more growing to do, this may be necessary to ensure the bowstring effect doesn't happen again.

To ensure a successful outcome, it's essential to follow your veterinarian's recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments. This will help your dog recover from surgery and prevent complications.

Here are the priorities in treatment for angular limb deformity: