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Originally Posted by ASTPhi877  Okay, so I've always considered the way my puppy's front paws turn out to be sooo adorable... Almost like she standing with 'pretty feet' in a slight first position. As her feet have been like this since i adopted her at six weeks (I know, WAAAAAY too young, but i got her from the pound, so there was no help for it) I've never thought anything of it. However, recently I've noticed that her 'turn out' has become much more pronounced, especially in her left leg, and I started thinking that it might be something more than just the adorable way God made her. So to Google I went. I wasn't able to find much, but I did come across the term 'valgus deformity' and I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of this or had any experience it. Should I be alarmed? Well, I am alarmed, but do I really need to be? The turn out really is rather slight... It only concerns me because the angle suddenly seems more acute. I do plan on taking her to the vet, but any info or suggestions/advice from y'all about what, if anything, this could be would be greatly appreciated!!! |
Valgus and varus deviation is most often referred to knee alignment. Valgus being knock kneed and Varus knees are turned out. Her feet turn out so they would be Varus deviation. But as her feet turn out her knees will become closer together giving a Valgus look to the knee.
Structurally varus deviation can originate from the "ankle" joint, or even higher at the elbow, and higher still at the shoulder angulation.
With dogs elbow dysplasia and feet turn out is closely associated. Elbow dysplasia is ddx'd by Xray.
You didn't mention how old she was? At any age it is good to get it assessed.
There are some exercises your vet can suggest once an examination is performed. These exercises are designed to strengthen the weak muscles, and to stretch out the tight muscles.
But whichever the source is of the problem, walking your dog in sand, or on gravel will help to strengthen the whole leg assembly from toes, up to shoulders. The other thing is keep the nails well trimmed, as long nails are devastating to the strength of the paw.
An all around good exercise is swimming, and with small Yorkies can even be done in a bath tub
Let us know what the vet says.