Pes varus

From Dog
Typical appearance of a Dachshund with pes varus showing medial deviation of hindlegs[1]

Pes varus is an autosonal-recessive genetic disease of Dachshund dogs characterized by inward deviation of the distal tibia.

This defect is observable soon after birth and in some dogs worsens with age, affecting both hindlegs or only one[2]. Pes varus usually arises as a result of asymmetric closure of the physis of the distal tibia.

Lameness if frequently observed in affected dogs, usually due to secondary osteoarthritis of the stifle and metatarsal joint, but also secondary lateral patella luxation and cruciate ligament injury.

Diagnosis can usually be ascertained by visual inspection and comparison of both hindlegs. Radiographic imaging can help confirm a diagnosis and exclude other diseases such as hip dysplasia, panosteitis, hypertrophic osteodystrophy and nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Treatment usually requires corrective wedge osteotomy of the tibia[3][4].

Post-operative limb alignment should be confirmed by evaluation of tibiotarsal joint orientation rather than solely on intraoperative visual assessment[5].


  1. Taksiklubi
  2. Johnson SG et al (1989) Corrective osteotomy for pes varus in the dachshund. Vet Surg 18(5):373-379
  3. Izumisawa Y et al (2005) Axial correction of pes varus by transverse-opening wedge osteotomy and T-plate fixation with beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) transplantation in dachshunds. J Vet Med Sci 67(4):437-440
  4. Petazzoni M et al (2012) Treatment of pes varus using locking plate fixation in seven Dachshund dogs. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 25(3):231-238
  5. Radasch RM et al (2008) Pes varus correction in Dachshunds using a hybrid external fixator. Vet Surg 37(1):71-81