Carpal Hyperextension Injury

Carpal hyperextension injury describes damage to the ligaments and other soft tissues that normally hold the carpus — the joint roughly halfway down the front leg, analogous to the human wrist — in its correct position. When these structures are stretched or torn, the joint may drop closer to the ground during weight-bearing, sometimes to the point where the back of the paw lifts and the dog or cat appears to be walking on the underside of the joint itself. Owners often notice a sudden change in how the leg looks during walking or standing, particularly after a fall, a jump from height, or an awkward landing. The limb may appear bent in an unusual direction, and the animal may carry weight reluctantly on that leg or avoid using it altogether. In some cases the change is subtle at first, becoming more apparent as the animal tires or moves at speed. This page explores the signs that may be observed, what happens to the structures inside the joint when this injury occurs, how the condition is investigated through examination and imaging, and the range of approaches — from rest and support through to surgical reconstruction — that exist depending on the severity and the individual animal's circumstances.