Rib cage

sagelfn · 07-06-2011, 07:26 PM

Last night I was measuring Sage(2yrs old) for a new pack. Around the widest point of his rib cage he is 33". He is to my best measurements 28" at the withers and about 80lbs. I suck at math and have no idea if that is 45-48% like the standard calls for.

I think he has a flat rib cage but I'm not sure. I am able to see his heart beating when he is laying on his side. I was very concerned about it when he was a pup and my vet had told me it isn't uncommon, not desireable but not a health risk. This article (the way I understand it) says visible heart beating is an indicator of flat rib cage. the Illustrated Standard of the German Shepherd Dog, THE MIDDLEPIECE

My other question (besides what % he is based on height and flat rib cage or not) is if he does indeed have a flat rib cage should I be following a different method to monitor his weight? Right now he is as thin as I want to allow (he is tough to keep weight on in the summer). Ribs easily felt and when he is panting hard I can see all of them but not when he is at rest. At this weight his spine seems to be visible and is easily felt but not hip bones. If I add a pound or two on him his spine looks much better to me but then I am not as easily feeling his ribs. I am wondering if his rib cage is flat that he is getting too thin before it is noticeable by typical methods.

Any additional information welcomed

I hope this makes sense. I am off tomorrow and will be able to get pictures of any angles you need to see.

sagelfn · 07-06-2011, 10:53 PM

Anyone?

**Andaka** · 07-07-2011, 09:26 AM

The rib cage measurement that you need for the 45-48% is from top to bottom of the rib cage, not around.

And to monitor his weight I would use his waist (loin area past the rig cage).

sagelfn · 07-08-2011, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andaka

The rib cage measurement that you need for the 45-48% is from top to bottom of the rib cage, not around.

And to monitor his weight I would use his waist (loin area past the rig cage).

I'm an idiot.

Thank you. How would I monitor his weight using his waist? He has a good tuck/dip but how much is too much?

07-06-2011, 07:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
sagelfn Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 3,748	Rib cage Last night I was measuring Sage(2yrs old) for a new pack. Around the widest point of his rib cage he is 33". He is to my best measurements 28" at the withers and about 80lbs. I suck at math and have no idea if that is 45-48% like the standard calls for. I think he has a flat rib cage but I'm not sure. I am able to see his heart beating when he is laying on his side. I was very concerned about it when he was a pup and my vet had told me it isn't uncommon, not desireable but not a health risk. This article (the way I understand it) says visible heart beating is an indicator of flat rib cage. the Illustrated Standard of the German Shepherd Dog, THE MIDDLEPIECE My other question (besides what % he is based on height and flat rib cage or not) is if he does indeed have a flat rib cage should I be following a different method to monitor his weight? Right now he is as thin as I want to allow (he is tough to keep weight on in the summer). Ribs easily felt and when he is panting hard I can see all of them but not when he is at rest. At this weight his spine seems to be visible and is easily felt but not hip bones. If I add a pound or two on him his spine looks much better to me but then I am not as easily feeling his ribs. I am wondering if his rib cage is flat that he is getting too thin before it is noticeable by typical methods. Any additional information welcomed I hope this makes sense. I am off tomorrow and will be able to get pictures of any angles you need to see. __________________ -Brandi Sage 6-5-09 Facebook

07-06-2011, 10:53 PM	#2 (permalink)
sagelfn Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 3,748	Anyone? __________________ -Brandi Sage 6-5-09 Facebook

07-07-2011, 09:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
Andaka "I like Daffy" Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: New Douglas, IL ( near St. Louis) Posts: 2,435	The rib cage measurement that you need for the 45-48% is from top to bottom of the rib cage, not around. And to monitor his weight I would use his waist (loin area past the rig cage). __________________ Daphne and the Gang at Andaka Where Beauty and Brains Come Together http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/germ...&results_in=10 Home of Ch Natty; Ch Doll; Jag RA (ch ptd); Sara RN (ch ptd); Bella (the new one); and Fisher (Mr. Evil) At the Bridge: Ch Kahla CD; Ch Keno UD HSAs OA; Ch Kizzy HSAs RE; Ch Tag CD RAE2; Ch Pharra; Bee PT; Ch Red the Dachshund

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