Ask the Veterinarian/dog's hind legs

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Expert: - 7/23/2010


Question
My German Shepherd is 14 months. Her back legs knock when she walks.  I had an Xray of both her hips and spine, both are normal.  She is not physically limited by her hind legs which look all wobbly, she jumps, runs and swims.  What would cause her back legs to knock together.

Answer
Joanna,
I am not an expert on issues like this. This is some serious stuff when you are dealing with a breed that is so prone to hip and hock problems. She may just need more time to grow into those legs but I would take her to an orthopedic specialist near you or at least a vet that has treated a lot of Shepherds.

Her xrays may look normal but it is not normal for her hocks to knock together. This is a sign of some type of hip displacement that makes them turn in. I would make sure she is on a good diet as well, such as Science Diet Large Breed.

Whoever told you that they were normal is not completely correct. They may have no visual deformities but you need a really good radiologist to read them. Even you know they are not normal!

I would get the phone book out and start looking for a vet to take her too.
Sorry I cannot be more helpful but you can re-post this to one of the vets in here if you'd like.
Good luck!  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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