Carpal Hyperextension on all 4 legs?

[laraa543]

My 9 year old, Chihuahua mix had been slowing getting carpal hyperextension in her front legs, we had been taking her to the vet for years trying to figure out what it was and how to cure it. The vets seemed like they tried their best but they mainly ran tests on the fluids in her joint rather than try to fix the problem somehow, and I'm surprised they didn't know about wheelchairs or booties. I had to go home and do all the research to find the best way for her to walk.

By now it's too late for surgery because it has affected her hind legs and spine as well, unfortunately. I don't see the need for putting her down, she seems very happy and attempts to run around and play but her legs won't let her =( I need help, I want her to be as comfortable as possible.

We tried some booties her vet ordered for her but they are a bit too big for her and if they are tightened too hard her joints swell up; at the beginning she was practically running in them, but we also needed something for her back legs to balance her out. I am not sure how to go about this, at this point =/ I'd have to find something for all four of her legs.

I'm very overwhelmed.

[CarolC]

Could you post a photo of your dog? How big is your chihuahua, they vary in size quite a bit?

I wonder if a hock splint would help on the hind legs. It will depend on if they make them small enough. Chihuahuas have slender legs. Here is an example showing both carpal splints and hock splints.

http://www.handicappedpets.com/all-pet-products#splint
http://www.handicappedpets.com/walkin-carpal-splint
http://www.handicappedpets.com/walkin-hock-splint

Here are some more expensive ones.

http://www.dogleggs.com/carpal-support/
http://www.dogleggs.com/front-leg-wrap/
http://www.dogleggs.com/tarsal-support/
http://www.dogleggs.com/hock-sock/

Here is an example of something someone made for their large dog with carpal hyperextension. It is only the front legs. It may give an idea of something to try if you cannot get readymade splints small enough.

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=10489

Are you saying her spine is arched? If it is not something genetic (roached back), it may improve somewhat once she is walking more normally and not keeping so much tension in stomach. I think I would try some kind of wraps or splints for such a small dog. Here is a photo of a dog in a 4-wheel cart, but if you can do splints she will have more freedom so personally I would be inclined to try that first.

viewtopic.php?f=22&t=15280&start=15#p82888

[FYI]

http://www.therapaw.com/customsupportwraps.aspx