Puppy with Deformed Toes and Tail

[dogcrazyforever]

Hi everyone-

When away on vacation, one of my female American Staffordshire Terriers came into heat. The lady watching our dogs, apparently, did a bad job of keeping them all apart. So, we ended up with puppies.  I did not intend on breeding but we kept them intact so they could compete in events such as conformation and weight pull.

Now, one of the puppies now appears to have some 'deformities'. At his 8wk checkup/shot, my vet noticed his tail has a kink at the base (it can't stand up but can wag side to side). My vet said not to worry, other than that he seems in good health. However, I still decided to not sell him with the rest of the puppies and to monitor his health. About a week and a half ago (just after his 12wk checkup/shot) I noticed his farthest outside toe on each front foot is smaller than the other toes. It seems both toes have just STOPPED growing and, as everyday passes, the difference between them and the other toes appears to be more noticeable. They seem basically useless at this point He seems to have slight trouble getting around as all his weight is on just the inside toes rather than being spread evenly throughout the feet. I feel so bad for this puppy and am keeping him permanently. He is such a sweet dog, I REALLY don't want anyone to suggest putting him down. At his 16wk checkup/shots (he's 14 wks now) I will talk to my vet about it. Until then, I am just left here worrying.

I have really grown attached to this pup, he is so mild mannered and loving...I just want to cry that he has these issues. I'm so scared his feet will become unbearably worse with time and there will be nothing I can do. I am willing to do everything in my power to help him. I have thought about buying him 'booties' for now but do you think that would help keep his paws more comfy?

I also almost wonder if he has some form of dwarfism? He was BY FAR the shortest, stockiest pup out of the litter and his front legs are slightly bowed while all the other pups are perfectly straight. He comes from healthy, well bred stock...I have NO IDEA where these issues came from. (None of the other puppies in the litter have any deformities.)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[newf_owner]

hmm sounds so weird, i had a guy give some one i know kittens once, (he gave them 2) when i took a look at the kittens and ran my hands down there back to pet them i noticed there tails felt weird, they had kinks, except it wasnt just at the base it was all the way to the tip so i naturally googled it (which i would do if i were you) i thought the cats were inbred,

i found out that cats in china get this "curly tial" its genetic of one paticular city there, i lived in LA at the time and its very possible that some one brought over one of these cats and it got out or what ever and had kittens

weird

but yeah you may need to get leg braces or some thing to help spread the weight evenly, if hes not walking right its gonna cause problems with his back and stuff i would emagine which would prolly give him arthritis when hes older, maybe start giving glucosomine and condroitant now, it cant hurt

deff let us know what your vet says

[FXgirl]

He sure is a cutie but I wouldn't worry yourself sick.  He may learn on his own how to keep his balance and may adjust just fine.  Puppies are clumsy at this age anyway and still learning how their bodies work.  I would hold off on the booties unless of course he can't even walk.  I'm no vet though so make sure your vet points you to the proper specialists. I will tell that their are lots of dogs with severe deformities that live very happy, healthy lives.