Belengere Adelphus - Jack

‘Jack’
Statistics -
Groenendael Boy
Whelped 1st January, 2007
Hips – Too young
Elbows – Too young
Eyes - clear - July 2007

Jack was one of two puppies born to Kiara (Ch Mirribandi Kiara Vision) and Cador (Ch Vanistica Kaleidoscope), out of a liaison which took place whilst I was working away, and my dogs were being supervised by The Husband!

Jill died aged six hours, and Jack has had to endure two pretty challenging operations – how he remained such a happy, exuberant  chappie is a miracle!

Jack was a healthy pup, weighing in at a hefty 650 gms at birth. Jack developed an unusual deformity for a Belgian puppy, noticeable from about three weeks of age. Genu valgum is a deformity affecting giant breed dogs, resulting in "knock knees." The same deformity has been recognised as a growth problem in humans experiencing disproportionate lengthening and rapid periods of growth.

In a technological nutshell: Growth within the distal lateral femoral condyle and the proximal lateral tibial condyle slows. However, normal rate of bone formation and growth continues within the medial femoral and tibial condyles. With increased time bowing at the knee becomes marked, resulting in a medial bowing of both the femur and tibia. This is recognised as genu valgum.

Often, owing to the medial bowing of the femur and tibia, that is, "knock knees," a lateral patellar subluxation or luxation occurs.
Progressive femoral bowing causes a compensatory coxa valga and anteversion resulting in hip subluxation that may resemble canine hip dysplasia.

Jack and friend, showing rotation of his rear legs at 6 weeks of age.	Great Dane youngster with GenuValgum

As a means of compensating for the abnormal limb bowing, the tarsus progressively rotates laterally resulting in a "cow-
hocked" posture. Knee deformity progresses to complete patellar luxation, and the deformities within the hip, stifle and tarsus may progress to degenerative joint disease.

Fortunately for Jack, his patella’s did not luxate. His main problems were that disuse of the hind limbs due to deformity and discomfort resulted in a generalised atrophy of muscles of his hind quarters. Jack typically bore most of his weight on his forequarters and assumed an arched-back posture. He also ‘bunny-hopped’ when running.

When Jack was six months old surgery was performed on both femurs, where a wedge of bone was removed and the bone ends realigned. Rigid internal fixation was provided by bone plate and screws. The surgery was performed by the extremely competent Dr Kim Smith and his team at the Animal Referral Centre & Veterinary Specialist Services, Underwood, in Queensland.

Jack was then crated for what seemed like an eternity, and was indeed about ten weeks altogether, to allow his hind legs to repair. His recovery went relatively well - he was on his feet straight after his op wagging his tail and showing his indomitable spirit! As Jack was also cryptoorchid, he had another operation once recovered from the first, to remove his un-descended testes from his abdomen.

Jack is left with quite good movement, although he cannot keep up with the rest of the dogs here at Belengere, which he finds quite frustrating. He will live out his days with us here, very much loved by ourselves and his extremely doting mum, Kiara, who is his great friend and protector.

Home of quality Belgian Shepherd Dogs.