Puppy with 'cow hocks' ??

[Number 3]

Hello all.

Recently been to the vet and she mentioned that my 5 month old pup is slightly cow hocked. Her back feet do turn out a bit, I guess it is noticeable.

Is this a genetic thing or is it something I have done? I have read that slippery floors can cause it.

Will she outgrow this or are there any exercises I can get her to do to stop this from getting any worse.

The vet said it can cause weakened knees in the future.

She is not a show dog, but I still would like her to be ?? normal??

Any info I would be grateful for.

 

[Hanne]

Sorry I'm not of much help, have never actually heard of this, but Google (in Danish) about this disorder.

Here's what I found what might be the cause of this:
- Hereditary - lack of muscle mass - lack of exercise - nutritional deficiencies

Although parents do not have it then it can be in the genes.

-Some breeds are predisposed to this, but could not see nothing around Shelties

-Should be able to provide knee injuries since.

But was nowhere something about slippery floors should be the cause of this, but I did think that it now was good to avoid.

Really hope that someone who knows about this, come and help you.

 

[ClantyreSheltie]

It's not a huge deal if it's a minor turn. Actually, it's not a huge deal either way. Look at working Border Collies, they are typically cow-hocked because it's an advantage in turning and cutting corners. But they also generally have the muscle to support it.

I have a Sheltie who is slightly cow-hocked, and slightly wide in the rear to go with it (which is better than being cow-hocked and close in the rear). At 14" tall, she single strides A-frames.

It's ugly to look at, but not something to worry about.

 

[Sparta]

I'm no expert, but I sincerely doubt it'll be a problem. In more serious cases it could cause strain injury over time or maybe affect patellas, but if it's as little as you describe, I wouldn't worry. At 5 months, there should also be a decent chance of it straightening out with physical development. Exercise in uneven terrain would help develop good, supporting muscle mass. I'd just make sure the puppy got to move around plenty and see what happens.