What are the common signs and causes of knuckling over?

Knuckling over, technically known as Carpel Flexural Deformity, is a developmental orthopedic condition often seen in young, fast-growing puppies. It primarily occurs when there is an imbalance between the puppy’s bones and its soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and tendons).

Here are the common signs and causes of the condition:

Common Signs

• Weakness in the front end: The condition is usually first noticed in the front legs—specifically at the wrist or carpal growth plate—and sometimes the shoulders.

• Inability to bear weight: The front legs lack the structural integrity to support the puppy’s body weight.

• “Rubber-like” legs: The legs may look malleable or extremely bowed, almost as if they are made of rubber.

• Curled toes: In extreme cases (Level 4), the puppy’s toes may curl underneath the foot, leaving them completely unable to stand or support their own weight without splinting.

Common Causes Knuckling over is not considered to be a genetic issue; rather, it is triggered by a combination of environmental and nutritional factors:

• Slick surfaces: Keeping a puppy on solid concrete, tile, or wooden floors prevents them from gripping with their toes, forcing improper use of their muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

• Lack of exercise: Not getting enough free exercise to balance out their caloric intake.

• Nutritional imbalances: A diet that lacks vital micro-minerals or uses crude minerals that are difficult for the puppy’s body to assimilate.

• Overfeeding: Feeding too much food (even high-quality food) or providing too many calories.

• Dietary disruptions: Mixing two different brands or types of dog food, or frequently changing the puppy’s diet.

• Improper supplementation: Adding poor-quality vitamins or feeding human foods in amounts large enough to disrupt the crucial calcium and phosphorus balance in the body.