My 5 month old bull terrier has been showing sign of paw knuckling for a couple months now. Asked my current vet his opinion and he said its probably because she has a wide chest and like Bulldogs, could be causing it. They breeder was also no help. I've done my own research and have her on a diet that is supposed to help but have seen no improvement. Has anyone seen this or have any ideas or suggestions? Her front pads seem weird to me too. I'm thinking of buying a brace of some sort. I've attached pictures.
Are you in the UK - and do you have insurance? If so, I would ask to be referred to either an orthopaedic or a physio-vet practice.
I cannot advise you about the cause of the knuckling but when a vet says something is "probably" because of something it usually means that he does not have any idea what it is, so I would suggest finding a new vet who can either be more definite regarding possible causes or admits that he does not know. I would always prefer a second opinion in such an event. I agree with @CaroleC about a referral to either an orthopaedic or a physio-vet practice, preferably before your pup gets any bigger/heavier.
Hi, did you ever figure out what this was? How is you dog now? this is exactly what our puppy looks like and we are worried!!
I think some vets - and other professionals - add "probably" because they don't want to guarantee anything 100%, no matter how confident they are. However, there are times when I suspect that the vet (or whatever professional) has no idea. I've gotten a second opinion before and was glad.
