What is Knuckling in Dogs?
Knuckling, or walking on the top of the paw instead of the footpad, is an abnormal way of walking that can affect dogs. It’s not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom that something else is going on.
Often, knuckling indicates a neurological issue, which sets it apart from limping. Lameness is a common reason for dog owners to bring their pups to the vet, but knuckling warrants a more specific kind of attention.
If you notice your dog knuckling, it’s important to contact your vet right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best possible outcome.
What is Knuckling in Dogs?
If you’ve noticed your dog walking on the top of their foot instead of on their paw pads, they may be “knuckling.” You might also see them dragging one or more paws as they walk.
It’s important to know that knuckling isn’t a disease or condition in itself. Instead, it’s a symptom of an underlying problem that’s preventing your dog from placing their paws correctly. It means there’s some kind of disruption in their proprioception, or their sense of where their body is in space.
Recognizing the signs of knuckling
Here are some things you might notice if your dog is knuckling:
- Uneven gait or unsteadiness
- Failure to put their foot down correctly
Knuckling may not happen with every step, especially at first. It can be intermittent, so it’s easy to miss in the early stages.
Signs and symptoms of knuckling in dogs
If you think your dog may be knuckling, it’s a good idea to take video of your dog walking or standing. That way, you can show your veterinarian exactly what you’re seeing.
Early signs of knuckling
In the early stages, you may notice subtle changes in the way your dog walks and places their paws. Pay close attention to how your dog puts their paws down when walking or standing.
You may notice a slight dragging or scuffing of the paws.
Other symptoms of knuckling
Over time, the symptoms of knuckling tend to become more pronounced. You may see:
- Noticeable dragging of the paws
- Abrasions or injuries on the tops of the paws
- Weakness in the limbs
- Difficulty standing or walking
- Loss of coordination
What Causes Knuckling in Dogs?
Knuckling, particularly when it’s a chronic or recurring issue, often points to a problem with your dog’s nervous system. When the nerves are damaged, they can’t properly send signals to the paws that control how they’re placed. This can result in your dog walking on the top of their paw instead of the pad.
Some of the more common neurological conditions that can cause knuckling include:
- Spinal stroke (Fibrocartilaginous embolism or FCE). This is a relatively common cause of sudden, non-progressive spinal cord dysfunction in dogs.
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). IVDD happens when one or more of the discs that cushion the vertebrae start to degenerate, causing pain and neurological issues.
- Degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord that’s most often seen in older dogs.
- Wobbler syndrome. Wobbler syndrome, also known as cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM), is a condition that affects the spinal cord in the neck region, causing an unsteady gait. The average survival time for dogs with Wobbler’s is about four years, but that can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition and how well it’s managed.
Other Potential Causes
While neurological conditions are a primary concern, other factors can also contribute to knuckling:
- Carpal flexural deformity. This is often seen in large and giant breed puppies younger than four months old. The good news is that most affected puppies improve within a few weeks of being diagnosed.
- Trauma or injury. Injuries to the paws, legs, or spine can definitely cause knuckling.
- Lack of muscle tone and obesity. Weak muscles can lead to instability, and obesity puts extra strain on the limbs, which can make knuckling worse.
- Neoplasia. Tumors affecting the spinal cord or nerves can also be a cause.
How is knuckling diagnosed?
If you think your dog is knuckling, the first step is a full examination from your veterinarian. Your vet will watch your dog walk, check their reflexes, and do a full neurological exam to assess nerve function.
To get a better look, your vet may recommend:
- X-rays to examine their bones and joints
- MRI to look at the spinal cord and other soft tissues
It’s important to remember that many conditions can cause similar symptoms. A good vet will rule out other possible causes to arrive at the correct diagnosis.
How do you treat knuckling in dogs?
Treatment for knuckling depends entirely on what’s causing it. The goal is to address the root cause while managing the symptoms and improving your dog’s comfort.
Here are some common treatment approaches:
- Medications: Vets sometimes prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and pain, which can help improve mobility and reduce knuckling.
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation: A veterinary rehabilitation specialist can create an exercise program to improve your dog’s strength and coordination.
- Surgery: If the knuckling is due to a condition like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
In addition to these treatments, supportive care can make a big difference:
- Improve traction: Products like ToeGrips® can give your dog more traction on slippery surfaces, which can help them feel more stable and improve their proprioception (awareness of their body’s position in space).
- Mobility aids: Harnesses and wheelchairs can help dogs with weakness get around more easily.
- Foot protection: If your dog is dragging their feet, it’s important to protect their paws from injury. Consider using dog boots or socks.
Special considerations for knuckling in puppies
Although knuckling can occur at any age, there are a few causes that are more common in puppies.
Causes specific to puppies
Some of the causes of knuckling that are more common in puppies include:
- Inappropriate nutrition
- Rapid growth spurts
- Carpal flexural deformity
Some breeds, like Dobermans and Shar Peis, may be more prone to knuckling. Male puppies also seem to be affected more often than female puppies.
Treatment and management in puppies
If your puppy is knuckling, it’s important to make sure they’re getting the right nutrition. It’s easy to overfeed a rescue puppy, but you’ll want to avoid doing that. Talk with your veterinarian about a balanced diet that’s appropriate for your puppy’s age and breed.
You can also provide supportive care by making sure your puppy has appropriate surfaces to walk on, such as grass, rubber mats, or carpet. Your vet may also recommend foot braces or splints.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does knuckling over mean?
Knuckling over, in the context of animal care (often dogs and cats), refers to a condition where the animal’s paw or feet curl under, causing them to walk on the top of their paw instead of the pad. This can affect one or more limbs. It indicates a problem with proprioception, which is the ability to sense body position and movement, or with the nerves and muscles that control the limb.
What does knuckling look like?
Knuckling looks like the animal is walking on the dorsal surface (top) of their paw instead of their paw pads. The toes are curled under, and the ankle may appear to be bent or unstable. It can vary in severity; some animals may only knuckle occasionally, while others may consistently walk on the top of their paw. You might notice abrasions or sores on the top of the foot from the abnormal contact with the ground. It’s often more noticeable when the animal is walking or bearing weight.
In Summary
If you notice that your dog is knuckling, it’s essential to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference in the outcome.
Supportive care and rehabilitation also play a vital role. Traction aids, mobility devices, and physical therapy can improve your dog’s comfort and help them move more easily.
Although knuckling can be a serious issue, don’t lose hope. With proper care and management, many dogs with this condition can still live happy, fulfilling lives. Your vet can help you develop a comprehensive plan to address the underlying cause of the knuckling and provide the support your dog needs to thrive.