Carpel Flexural Deformity
American Bulldog breeders also use the term "knuckling over" when describing this problem. "Knuckling over" is due to uneven growth patterns between the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. This conditions is entirely curable. This problem is normally seen in large and giant breeds like the American Bulldog, Mastiff and Great Dane. "Knuckling over" will normally be see during the pups 6 to 8 weeks of life.
Knuckling over is first noticed in the area of front leg on a puppy, or the growth plate (wrist or carpal) area. This condition is described as where the front end assembly of the dog, the weight bearing part of the body, is unable to support the whole body weight of the puppy, due to a lack of integrity in the muscle, tendon and ligaments. It is my opinion this condition is not genetic - it is due to uneven growth pattern between the bone and tissue/muscle of the puppy and it is cause by dietary imbalances and/or missing micro-minerals and/or minerals that are not available to the body - difficult to assimilate.
The condition of " knuckling over", can be very extreme, almost as if the legs are made of rubber! Early knuckling over - under 8 weeks of age, is not a problem and very common because the large and giant breeds grow quickly during the early stages of development.
A few examples taken from the "Great Dane Lady's" website:
Click here for more information regarding "knuckling over" and how to treat it.
