Muscle Tone Hind Legs

[ibot]

Hello hello

right you clever peeps i need a little help.

i have been given an 18 month old retreiver for 6 weeks to look after and i am worried about his hind legs he does not seem to have any muscle tone there and i was wondering if this is normal or if there is anything i can do to help him?

he is a lovely dog really sweet but i know there are issues with a breed like this and i am hoping as he is young i might be able to help??


thank you

xxxx

 

[MurphysMinder]

What sort of exercise regime has he had? It could just be lack of exercise or it could be a sign of something more serious. A bit like a horse the best thing to start building muscle is steady road work. You could try swimming but I would be loathe to do much until you are sure there is no underlying cause. Does he show any sign of lameness, or stiffness on getting up?

 

[CorvusCorax]

If you're really concerned, advise the owners take him to a vet (pref one used to dealing with hip issues) and get x-rays taken.

Otherwise, steady build up of roadwork, hillwork, sandwork, swimming.

He might not just get out enough

 

[ibot]

thank guys, i was kind of thinking the same way. i do think its lack of exercise but now he is with me i intend to see if i can fix it

i will speak to his handler next time she phones me and say that i do see stiffness and see what she says.

thank you for a second opinion i do love this forum as you are all such a helpful lot

 

[Brownmare]

well, the old whippet trainers used to teach their dogs to pull hard on the lead to muscleu p their hind legs but I'm guessing his owners may not thank you for that

Other than that I would make sure he has no hip / back / leg problems before pounding the roads with him!