Wrist Injuries

[sandymere 8,263]

Wrist injuries are one of the most common and misunderstood causes of lameness in working dogs. These often present as lameness after working with the dog seemingly mobilising well during the session itself but going lame once the work has finished, traditionally this was termed as “wristy”. The symptoms may remain for just a few days presenting as lameness after working that resolves with simple rest but alas it is often an evolving situation with increasing symptoms over time leading to early retirement. What begins as an untreated strain heals with scar tissue and gradual deterioration and arthritis or in severe cases complete breakdown.

 

The wrist itself is an extremely complex joint compromising of a multitude of small bones, tendons and facia that has evolved to allow both flexibility and strength. It has three articulations with the main one being the upper, antebrachiocarpal, giving about 70% of the total movement. In the majority of dogs this joint works extremely well but it does have a telling weakness and that is that it does not have any muscular cover to help to stabilise and support the joint. When one considers that sight hound types at speed can be transferring up to five times their own body weight through the joint then occasional problems must be expected. The reality is that we have bred the sight hound types to be able to produce stress that goes beyond the evolutionary capabilities of their physical structures and a working type lifestyle often brings pressures that can push the limits of the joints capabilities to cope. Over extensions of the joint is one of the main problems, when the foot hits the floor the joint gives to absorb a degree of shock but at times it gives to much over extending itself resulting in ligaments being stretched beyond their range and even fracture to the carpal or metacarpal bones.

 

Fractures are the worst case but even with these making a diagnosis can be problematic due to the complexities of the joint with things like fractures to the Carpal bones having a mixed presentation from sudden marked lameness to gradual deterioration depending on the amount of damage done. Bearing this in mind any sign of lameness must be treated seriously until a cause is known with thorough examination of the whole limb. Even when a minor cause is found, ie a small cut the whole leg should still be examined to ensure there isn’t a more serious cause for the symptoms. With fore limbs palpation of the wrist should reveal any swelling or pain whilst gently mobilising the joint through its full range of movement should highlight any pain, instability or crepitus. The mobilisation should include all three planes of movement with internal end external rotation as well as flexion and extension but should not exceed the normal range. Any sign of fracture will need a veterinary opinion.

 

It is a good idea to check all joints on a weekly basis to monitor for early niggles such as minor sprains this also gets one familiar with the size, feel and normal range of movements of joints, when one knows how they should feel and move changes can be more easily identified. If unsure with an injury compare the opposite leg as a reference and have a low threshold for seeking expert advice. Minor sprains can often be picked up before they become overtly symptomatic with weekly checks allowing the opportunity to instigate restorative rehab to avert more serious problems developing. Sprains are injuries to ligaments, usually through stretching beyond their normal range and can be simple with just over stretching or more complex when there is damage such as tearing involved. Tendons have a poor blood supply so healing can be slow and problematic hence the importance of catching minor sprains before there is substantial weakening or tearing involved. Healing tendons have scar tissue which will become a weak point for the future and each incidence will build on the problem to cause further trouble. The worst case sprains lead to rupture and as with fractures any suspicion will need a veterinary opinion.

 

With possible fracture your vet will likely need to x-ray the joint from a number of directions but even with x-rays diagnosis can be problematic due to the afore mentioned complexities of the structures involved. Then of course tendons are not very amenable to being seen on X-ray but that does not mean they are without value in soft tissue injuries because the effects of this type of injury can lead to misplacement of the bony structures through there loss of support, dislocations etc. Whatever the final diagnosis treatment will depend on the particular injury with fracture likely needing a cast as will many of the more serious sprains, with less severe tendon damage there may still be the need for support with bandages, splints etc. As tendons need time to heal these appliances can be in place for some time. If the joint is mobilised improperly or too early it can lead to permanent damage such as elongation and excessive scar tissue formation. That not to say that mobilisation is bad just that there should be a proper planned approach to rehab that is tailored to the individual injury. Without this long term problems can result in weakened tendons leading to an unstable joint and the likelihood of future problems.

 

Personally I take lameness seriously until I know it’s not anything to worry about, at the first signs I check the dog over and act according to what I find. A simple thorn will be removed and work continued as will a knock that resolves with a bit of a check and rub down but any sign of joint swelling or if I cannot find a cause I will cool the limb in the nearest water before heading home to make a proper evaluation and management plan. Anti-inflammatory pain killers, under the supervision of the vet, are a good stand by and a short course of treatment along with a bit of rest can work wonders in many cases but there needs to be the initial recognition of the problem then proper evaluation of the treatment needed. Health is all about early intervention, sort the problem straight away and it is less likely to develop into a major issue, ignore the early signs and sometimes things will settle on their own but sooner or later they will progress into a serious injury that can end a season or even career.

 

 

 

http://o.quizlet.com/PqGUXWleTW1RGf5PQ5o8Sw.png

Edit for spelling.

Edited October 25, 2022 by sandymere

[wi11ow 2,657]

are you a vet or copyed and pasted that have you first hand knowledge of these injurys as they say dont allways believe what you read

[sandymere 8,263]

I wrote this having previously had a dog breaks its wrist and one back along that would be termed wristy so out of interest looked into the area to add some technical substance to my own experience. I also have a good working knowledge of the human wrist.

 

Could you explain what you mean by "don't always believe what you read " if you feel there is an error than I would be happy to receive an specific criticism and make changes if required.

[socks 32,253]

Arnica 6c would cure that ..........

[wi11ow 2,657]

if a good bone man who had run dogs wrote it most of the time he/she would be right but if its come from a vet book / any bullshit book telling you about wrist injuries it would be wrong

 

 

coz they havent a clue about working dogs and injuries how do i no bcoz ive run dogs for a few years and traveled up and down the country to see vets men/woman

 

 

and read the rubbish they have wrote vet books / injuries there full of s..t

[sandymere 8,263]

Arnica 6c would cure that ..........

LOL

Edited October 23, 2014 by sandymere

[sandymere 8,263]

if a good bone man who had run dogs wrote it most of the time he/she would be right but if its come from a vet book / any bullshit book telling you about wrist injuries it would be wrong

 

 

coz they havent a clue about working dogs and injuries how do i no bcoz ive run dogs for a few years and traveled up and down the country to see vets men/woman

 

 

and read the rubbish they have wrote vet books / injuries there full of s..t

It was written by me I'm neither a bone man or vet, now have you a problem with it or not??

 

edit for spelling, note to self look what you type

Edited October 23, 2014 by sandymere

[wi11ow 2,657]

Copy and paste works well lol lol

[sandymere 8,263]

My dear chap I’m sure if you gave yourself more credit you too could string more than two sentences together but until your self esteem improves please don’t judge the rest of us as you would yourself.

 

There now run along and play.

[wi11ow 2,657]

you can only give advice if you no what your talking about SO dont give it if you are another no nothing fool so bull shit can stay with you

[sandymere 8,263]

So what is wrong with the piece????? I await the sunshine of your intellect to brighten my day. This is an old article but I'm working on one about dehydration at the moment I will PM you upon completion so you can cast your wondrous intellect across it and stun us with your ability to bring forth smileys!

 

Alas jealousy is a sour thing and oft can only embarrass itself.

[wi11ow 2,657]

“Shit spews from your lips as from the ass of a pig.”
― Brom, Krampus: The Yule Lord

[sandymere 8,263]

LOL I do love an intellect.