Kobi, a three-month-old golden retriever puppy, first displayed symptoms of troublesome paws.
Owners Hannah Lilley and Adam Hazelwood, both 22, believed he had irreversible bone damage after taking him to one veterinarian.
Terry Dunne, a veterinarian, informed the couple that Kobi had carpal laxity syndrome after getting a second opinion (CLS).
Like most hyperactive puppies, Kobi found that the solution was as much activity as he could manage, which meant frequent walks.
Kobi had been acting like any other dog at first, but then we realized his wrists were always bent, said Hannah.
“Terry advised us to take him for walks twice a day when we visited him. His wrists straightened out after a week, and he was back to normal. We are now having a challenge keeping up with him.”
CLS is an uncommon disease that primarily affects male animals of breeds with rapid growth, such as golden retrievers.
Floppy wrists are the predominant symptom, which is thought to be brought on by rapid bone growth that exceeds that of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the joint.
Kobi is currently five months old and going through conventional training, but his mother Hannah, an occupational therapist, hopes he will eventually become a PAT dog to aid those who have had brain damage.
