Cow hocked

Dogbone said:
Hi, I was going to put this in the vet section or is it just for horses?
Anyway I have a 1 year old that's standing cow hocked and seems to walk with close rear legs if that makes sense. Now I'm aware of cow hocks are genetic ie from birth but in my case when as a puppy he had parallel legs. I checked videos to prove to myself I didn't imagine it!
I'm wondering could this be from injury as he has pulled up lame several times the past few months.
If from injury what exercises would best help?
He's pain free/has full movement of all rear joints it's just he seems to prefer standing with close rear legs. Parents, past pedigree all good hips.
Is this possibly related to slipping on floors? This has happened several times.
Hopefully not too long a post so anyone with some veterinary knowledge or past experience of similar problem could chip in much appreciated. Thanks.
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In answer to your query.

Cow hocks can indicate hip dysplasia.

Does he cock his leg to pee? A dog with hip dysplasia can find that difficult stretch out to pee.

Squatting to open his bowels may also be uncomfortable and you may see him trying to settle into a comfortable position to do so.

Have you seen him bunny hop when he runs? This can be another sign of hip dysplasia.

Does he sway when he walks? I have previously described this as walking like a woman in a pencil skirt.

Is he reluctant to jump or use the stairs?

He may not do any of these things but still have hip dysplasia.

Dogs with hips dysplasia can appear to be pain free and have no obvious limp so visual assessment is inaccurate.

If hip dysplasia is suspected then you can expect imaging to be recommended.

Hard floors - laminate, tile, etc. are a bad idea when you have a dog. Apart from the more obvious injuries caused when a dog slips, even the little "microslips" that are barely perceptible cause joint damage over time.

Please be advised by your vet. Amateurs on an internet forum cannot make a diagnosis.
 
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He shows no signs of discomfort. Stairs no problem in fact very keen to run up them! Jumps again no problem, in/out of car boot easily. Pees one legged as normal.
He does slip alot when tiles are wet/his paws wet. I'm wondering if it's like a slight injury that's healed wrongly??
 
Eesh, sorry I'd definitely restrict him from doing all of those things until he comes a bit sounder. But definitely the floor thing. Can you tell it's a bugbear ;)
And please don't be offended but he does look like a chunky monkey in the most recent pic. Lean and mean is best to keep pressure off the joints, once they're up a bit. I don't mind a bit of chub on a baby puppy as if they get sick, they've a bit of weight to fall back on.
 
"Chunky monkey" haha no offence taken.
He's bigger/heavier boned than what you would normally see in uk dobermans. East european lines are known for this. Theyre slightly 'thicker'. Definitely not overweight..ribs visible, has waistline from above etc.
I've been trying to keep him off wet slippy floors. Hopefully it's something that can be corrected through diet/exercises.
I'll really have to wait on the vet.
 
Dogbone said:
"Chunky monkey" haha no offence taken.
He's bigger/heavier boned than what you would normally see in uk dobermans. East european lines are known for this. Theyre slightly 'thicker'. Definitely not overweight..ribs visible, has waistline from above etc.
I've been trying to keep him off wet slippy floors. Hopefully it's something that can be corrected through diet/exercises.
I'll really have to wait on the vet.
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Oh I know, I've seen quite a few, I was talking about his tummy/middle lol, but camera angle is everything I suppose!
And like I say, just watch for civil aggression coming out too young, I know someone with a dog a little older than yours, also from Russia, who is being a bit of a knob already.
 
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