Title: Angular limb deformity

{{Infobox medical condition (new) 
| name            = Angular limb deformity
| image           = IgorTheChihuahua.png
| caption         = A [[Chihuahua (dog)|chihuahua]] with a carpal valgus deformity in the front left limb.
| pronounce       =  
| field           = [[Orthopedics]]
| synonyms        = Crooked legs, Angular limb deviation, Carpal valgus, Carpal varus, Carpal flexural deformity
| symptoms        = 
| complications   = 
| onset           = 
| duration        = 
| types           = 
| causes          = [[Blunt force trauma]], unbalanced nutrition, or excessive exercise before the closure of the growth plate 
| risks           = 
| diagnosis       = 
| differential    = 
| prevention      = 
| treatment       = Surgery, weight management
| medication      = 
| prognosis       = 
| frequency       = 
| deaths          = 
|alt=}}

'''Angular limb deformity'''{{efn|According to Harasen, also called, variously, carpal hyperextension; carpal hyperflexion; carpal flexural deformity; or carpal laxity syndrome.&lt;ref name=&quot;harasen 2010&quot;&gt;{{cite journal |last1=Harasen |first1=Greg |title=Canine carpal conundrums |journal=The Canadian Veterinary Journal |date=August 2010 |volume=51 |issue=8 |pages=909–910 |pmid=21037898 |pmc=2905020 |issn=0008-5286}}&lt;/ref&gt;}} is a pathological deformity in the spatial alignment of any limb in [[quadrupedal]] animals.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto1&quot;&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedic/angular-limb-deformity/|title=Angular Limb Deformity}}&lt;/ref&gt; The term encompasses any condition in such an animal wherein a limb is not straight.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto6&quot;&gt;{{Cite web|url=http://www.sconeequinehospital.com.au/equine-health-articles/angular-limb-deformities-and-associated-problems-in-young-and-developing-foals|title=Angular Limb Deformities and Associated Problems in Young and Developing Foals|website=www.sconeequinehospital.com.au|date=3 October 2018 }}&lt;/ref&gt; It most commonly occurs in the [[Intercarpal joints|carpal joint]] of the [[forelimb]]s, manifesting as the limb pointing outward (''carpal valgus'') or inward (''carpal varus''), deviating from normal development.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto2&quot;&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.acvs.org/large-animal/angular-limb-deviation|title=Angular Limb Deviation in Horses &amp;#124; American College of Veterinary Surgeons - ACVS|website=www.acvs.org}}&lt;/ref&gt;

==Causes==
Angular limb deformity usually occurs due to outside factors during developmental years, including [[blunt force trauma]], unbalanced nutrition, or excessive exercise.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto2&quot;/&gt; They are less likely to develop in hind limbs, except in certain animals, such as [[dachshund]]s.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto5&quot;&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.northwestreferrals.co.uk/2019/05/02/angular-limb-deformities/|title=Angular Limb Deformities|date=May 2, 2019}}&lt;/ref&gt; Rarely, they can also occur from a genetic predisposition to premature growth plate closure.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto5&quot;/&gt;&lt;ref name=&quot;auto4&quot;&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://www.animalclinicofbillings.com/resources/orthopedic-surgery/other-orthopedic-surgery-procedures/angular-limb-deformities-ald/|title=Angular Limb Deformities (ALD)|website=Animal Clinic of Billings}}&lt;/ref&gt; The exact [[aetiology]] of the deformity is unknown.&lt;ref name=&quot;harasen 2010&quot;/&gt;

==Symptoms and Diagnosis==
Significant angular limb deformity is often apparent visually from looking at the limbs in front of, behind, or from the side of the animal.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto2&quot;/&gt; Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination, which can include manipulation of the limbs.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto2&quot;/&gt;

The condition is often painless.&lt;ref name=&quot;harasen 2010&quot;/&gt; However, affected limbs may show [[lameness]] or [[joint swelling]], resulting in limps of varying degree to the animal.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto4&quot;/&gt;

[[Radiograph]]s can be used to assess the location of the deviation, the degree of deviation from normal, the condition of the bones within the affected joint, the appearance of the growth plates, and response to treatment over time.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto2&quot;/&gt;

==Treatment==
Surgical correction may be used to treat significant angular limb deformity, usually carpal valgus, that is causing discomfort and impaired limb use.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto4&quot;/&gt; For younger patients with significant growth potential to the affected area remaining, a surgery involving cutting the [[ulna]] to release its hold on the radius is possible; this allows the radius to straighten and grow to normal length.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto&quot;&gt;{{Cite web|url=https://edingersurgicaloptions.com/Services/Angular-Limb-Deformity|title=Angular Limb Deformity|website=edingersurgicaloptions.com}}&lt;/ref&gt; For fully developed animals, a corrective [[osteotomy]] may be used to treat the condition.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto&quot;/&gt;

The animal's weight should be managed carefully to avoid exacerbating lameness or pain. In addition, activities that incur trauma upon the joint, such as jumping, should be discouraged.

==Aftercare and Prognosis==
Given that most forms of the condition are painless, [[prognosis]] is generally good.&lt;ref&gt;{{cite web|url=https://www.rossdales.com/assets/files/Angular-limb-deformities-in-foals.pdf|title=Angular Limb Deformities in Foals|publisher=Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726204556/https://www.rossdales.com/assets/files/Angular-limb-deformities-in-foals.pdf|archive-date=Jul 26, 2023}}&lt;/ref&gt; Depending on the procedure performed and severity of the deformity, aftercare treatment may require rest, daily monitoring of the limb, and repeat radiographs.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto2&quot;/&gt;

==Affected animals==
The condition is common in [[horse]]s, often from [[perinatal]] factors such as [[premature birth]] or [[placentitis]].&lt;ref name=&quot;auto2&quot;/&gt; More uncommonly, the condition may manifest in the [[fetlock]] or [[Tarsus (skeleton)#Other animals|tarsus]].&lt;ref name=&quot;auto6&quot;/&gt;

[[Dog]] breeds that have short, [[bowlegged]] limbs are most susceptible to the condition.&lt;ref name=&quot;auto1&quot;/&gt; [[Male]] dogs are more frequently affected than [[female]]s.&lt;ref name=&quot;harasen 2010&quot;/&gt;

==Notes==
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==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Acquired musculoskeletal deformities|state=expanded}}

[[Category:Dog musculoskeletal disorders]]