My senior dog's front paws are splayed. What causes it? How to treat?

Congrats on the adoption! The leg positioning is sometimes called "Queen Anne" legs, or leg splay, and is very common in short-legged long-bodied dogs such as Dachshunds or Basset Hounds. While it doesn't usually cause any harm and isn't dangerous in minor cases, it can sometimes cause additional arthritis or joint issues down the line and sometimes requires surgical repair in severe cases, so preparing for proactive care such as a joint supplement and regular check-ups of the legs is a good idea. Since Sport's legs do look very splayed, a vet check up after adoption to make sure there isn't any arthritis present (and it isn't affecting any of the other tissues in the legs) is also smart.

Hello. Thank you for using Pet Coach! My best guess based on your description is that Ben likely has some arthritis in that paw. It is probably more comfortable for him to keep the paw in that position. Any dog that is 12 years old probably has at least a little arthritis. The other option would be a nerve issue in that paw Neither of these things are usually seen as overtly painful. I would suggest that you mention this to your vet at his next exam. It may be worthwhile taking some x-rays. The other thing you could do is start him on a joint supplement like Missing Link: ( https://missinglinkproducts.com/product/canine-hip-joint-coat/ ) If there is some arthritis present this may help. Best wishes!

Thanks for using PetCoach. If she is slipping on floors, ToeGrips are sometimes more helpful than booties. https://toegrips.com/ If it is pain or weakness sometimes acupuncture can make a world of difference for senior dogs. Please be sure that you find a veterinarian that does acupuncture in conjunction with her current medications. If it has not been done X-rays to try to localized the cause of her problem can sometimes help determine the best therapy. (Ie back or hips or knees or all?) Best of luck I hope this helps.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Mitch is having hindlimb weakness. Weakness in the hindlegs in older dogs can be due to a variety of reasons, including arthritis, back discomfort, or an underlying neurologic issue, among others. Anti-inflammatories, pain medications, and supportive care (such as hydrotherapy and acupuncture) may all be beneficial options. I would recommend discussing what the best overall treatment plan for Mitch would be with your regular veterinarian, or seek a second opinion if you want further advice. Good luck!

That could be due to a trauma on the paw (causing a muscle or bone injury) or severe osteoarthrosis which now is developing a proper inflammatory reaction. I would strongly suggest to have Mopsu checked by your veterinarian and have appropriate treatment given (based most likely on anti-inflammatory medications).

She could be suffering from a hip problem, i would recommend taking her to your vet to get her checked, possibly have an xray done, if she has a bad hips she needs pain killers/anti inflammatories at the very least .

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Based on the pictures you have provided, the problem could be associated with an allergy, infection or a immune-mediated disease. I would recommend trying a product called malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the area until resolved. You may have to see your veterinarian to discuss alternative treatment options such as steroid therapy or immunomodulatory therapy to treat and immune-mediated disease. Feline plasma cell pododermatitis can appear like this and treatment is suppressing the immune system and antibiotic therapy. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further