Testing for a hyperextension type of injury to the carpus can be easily done by placing the affected carpus into extension and verifying that it does extend well past the normal of 210 degrees. It can be useful to compare to the contralateral side (if it is intact) or that of another dog/cat.
Once the physical test has confirmed that there is a hyperextension problem to that carpus, radiographs should be taken with the carpus in it’s relaxed position and then while it is being hyperextended. This is how we can identify at which level of the carpal joint the injury is actually located. The level will determine the type of repair and prognosis associated with the injury.
