Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Distal tibial valgus deformities in dogs and how they are corrected
By Jaeger, G H et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2007·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Morphology and correction of distal tibial valgus deformities.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 16 dogs, including Rottweilers and Shetland sheepdogs, were examined for a condition called distal tibial valgus deformity, where the lower leg angles outward. The dogs showed varying degrees of angulation, with some having a noticeable limp or abnormal leg positioning. The veterinarians used physical exams and X-rays to assess the deformities, finding that many were straightforward without additional complications. The study concluded that these deformities often occur without other leg issues and are not caused by growth problems in the fibula.
People also search for: dog leg deformity treatment · Rottweiler limping · tibial valgus in dogs · Shetland sheepdog leg problems
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To characterise distal tibial valgus deformities in dogs through physical examination and radiographic evaluation. METHODS: In a clinical study of 16 client-owned dogs, twelve unilateral and four bilateral distal tibial valgus deformities were evaluated using palpation and radiographs. The origin and amplitude of angulation, rotation and length deficits if present were measured. Radiographically, fibular length and position in relation to the tibia was compared in affected and clinically normal limbs. The dimensions of the fibular physes were also compared between clinically normal and affected limbs. RESULTS: Rottweilers and Shetland sheepdogs were overrepresented. Valgus deformities ranged from 16 degrees to 48 degrees (median, 32 degrees ) in affected and from 0 degrees to 13 degrees (median, 6 degrees ) in contralateral, clinically normal limbs. Fibular length, fibular position relative to the tibia or physeal dimensions were not statistically different between affected and clinically normal limbs. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many distal tibial valgus deformities in dogs are a uniplanar deformity without concurrent craniocaudal or rotational changes or length deficits. A growth cessation in the fibula does not appear to be responsible for the development of the deformity.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17725588/