Hyperextension injuries of the carpus usually occur after falling or jumping from high places. The impact of the landing can luxate or subluxate the carpal joints and cause severe injury to the small palmar carpal ligaments. Geriatric, overweight, large breed dogs can have a degeneration of the palmar carpal ligaments leading to carpal hyperextension, but most hyperextension injuries are traumatic. Hyperextension injuries can cause varying degrees of lameness, pain, and swelling and if the animal is weight bearing they can exhibit a plantigrade stance.