Rear legs are pointing out, rather then straight.

[Dotty]

Our 13 mos GSD when she runs, her legs point out, like a running rabbit.
She also is very slippy, on smooth surfaces she slides right down, rough tiles too.


I would also say she has loose joints.
I have never seen a dog like that.
It is really cute, she is goofy.

FYI her sister runs very nicely.

Anyone else?
Is this a potential problem?

[selzer]

Could be. Could not be. Is she altered? I ask because you really do not want to x-ray hips when they are in or near their heat cycle, it should be 2-3 months after their cycle. Things loosen up for pregnancy and you can get a bad read.

If the feet are pointing outward, she is probably cow-hocked. Puppies go through a gangly stage, though I would think by 13 months that would have straightened out if it is going to.

[huntergreen]

Originally Posted by selzer

Could be. Could not be. Is she altered? I ask because you really do not want to x-ray hips when they are in or near their heat cycle, it should be 2-3 months after their cycle. Things loosen up for pregnancy and you can get a bad read.

If the feet are pointing outward, she is probably cow-hocked. Puppies go through a gangly stage, though I would think by 13 months that would have straightened out if it is going to.

can this be detected "cow hocked" when the puppy is around 8 weeks, or do we go by the structure of the parents and hope for the best. tks

[selzer]

Originally Posted by huntergreen

can this be detected "cow hocked" when the puppy is around 8 weeks, or do we go by the structure of the parents and hope for the best. tks

I don't know for sure. I have a pup that really looked cow hocked around 5 months old, but didn't at eight weeks old. I am just letting her grow out a bit and taking a wait and see approach. Her gangly stage was really gangly. Her sister never looked that way.

[huntergreen]

tks selzer get much snow from the super size storm ? just started here in jersey.

[Dotty]

She is fixed!
She is really gangly, very uncoordinated, and a big girl. Is she goes to jump up on something, her backend doesnt make it and we need to help her. I wouldn't be surprised if she isn't finished growing. But, the cow hockedness has not improved one bit.

[Dotty]

Omg
Now I am stressing out!
I looked at pics of cow hocked dogs and that is her.
What does the future hold for this?

[bianca]

I so do not want to scare you but just from your description *I* would be getting her xrayed. She sounds very similar to my male (14 months now) who has severe hip dysplasia (diagnosed by xray). All the best.

[Dotty]

Now I am obsessing.
Do people do strengthening exercises with their dogs to help it?

[jocoyn]

Do not obsess. Enjoy the holidays then get her into an ortopedic vet for x-rays and assessment. If she is there are many things you can do to strengthen her muscles and minimize long term arthritic damage.