Premature Physeal Closure in Dogs

Category: Bone & Joint
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 4

Overview

Growth plates are areas where a young bone lengthens. When a plate closes too early, that bone can stop growing while neighboring bones continue. In the foreleg, uneven growth between the two forearm bones, called the radius and ulna, can bend or twist the limb. The resulting change in alignment can strain nearby joints and cause discomfort.

Signs to watch for

A front leg that becomes bowed or twisted
A paw that turns inward or outward
Limping or stiffness, particularly after play
Reluctance to run or jump

Signs of the resulting limb deformity often appear while a puppy is growing.

When to get help Book a vet visit soon if a growing dog develops limping or a changing leg shape.

Diagnosis and tests

A vet examines the dog's walk, leg alignment and movement of nearby joints. X-rays help identify an early closed growth plate and measure changes in bone shape. A plate that still looks open on an X-ray can nevertheless be damaged. For complex bends or twists, a CT scan, which produces detailed three-dimensional images, may help the surgeon plan correction.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

Basset Artésien NormandMedium · FCI Group 6 (Scenthounds)

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.