[Lesley1905]

Hey everyone,
I have a friend who got a female GSD who is about 6 months old. I noticed that when she stands and when she walks her back feet point outwards and her hocks just about touch. Then I was on my morning walk this morning and saw another GSD puppy with the same legs! Is this an indication of bad hips or bone structure? Brodys legs have never done that and either have the past GSD's I grew up with. Just a curious thought, and maybe something for people to look for when purchasing a puppy?!

 

[Emoore]

This is called being "cow hocked." Some puppies go through a cow-hock stage and grow out of it. Some dogs have it their whole lives. It is a conformational fault, but not necessarily an indicator of hip displasia. The only way to tell that is through X-rays.

 

[Lesley1905]

Ohhhhh thanks for the reply! I googled the cow hocks and that's what she has!

 

[will_and_jamie]

If you're worried about HD, I would get some prelim x-rays done. Hannah didn't have anything cow-hocked and ended up with HD.

 

[ahazra]

I had a GSD puppy that was diagnosed with hip subluxation (which would lead to HD) at 4 months of age. Yes, he did have a bunny hop which was the first indication..but to be really sure, we had to X-Ray him and then the orthopedic specialist confirmed.

 

[jakeandrenee]

I thought that almost all puppies bunny hop when they run? Am way off on this?