	AllExperts > German Shepherds
	Search

About Labman
Expertise
housebreaking, feeding, training, grooming PLEASE DON'T SEND ME MEDICAL OR BREEDING QUESTIONS. An internet forum is not the appropriate place for them. Even if I could tell what was wrong from a handful of symptoms, you would still need to get the medications from your local vet. Breeding should be left to those not needing to ask simple, basic questions. Books have been written about it. Rather than ask me a question, start reading. Those unwilling to do the work it takes to produce quality puppies should spay/neuter their pets at 6 months. I will not answer questions that sound like a poorly prepared breeder.

Experience

Past/Present clients
I have been around the net a long time answering questions including the general dog area of All Experts. I recently discovered a lack of good experts under many specific breeds. I don't have as extensive experience with the GSD as Labs, but still can give good answers to most questions. I try to base my answers on carefully proven methods confirmed by my own experience. Much of what I know about dogs, I have learned raising a puppy every year since 1991 for a large dog guide school. I am familiar with several similar programs. Nobody is in a better position to know dogs, need ones with long, active life, and share what they know, than the service dog schools. In addition I have done extensive reading. My answers have much more to back them than the limited experience any one dog owner can have.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Dog Breeds > German Shepherds > German Shepherd with Hind Leg problem

German Shepherds - German Shepherd with Hind Leg problem

Expert: Labman - 11/3/2009

Question
My In laws own a German Shepherd named Ally. This is their 2nd German shepherd. When there first dog grew old her back legs started to go, she could no longer control them, couldn't stand up on them in the morning, and practically dragged them behind her all the time. This has now happened to Ally, she is no where near as old as what Jo was when her legs started to go, but allys have started to go already and are getting bad very quick. My inlaws don't have pet insurance and believe this is just something that happens to German shepherds and that its in their breed. I was wondering if you could shed more light on whether hind leg problems are common in these dogs and what can be done, or any ideas on what it could actually be . Many thanks

Answer
Sounds like hip dysplacia. It is largely genetic, but there are lines of Shepherds where it isn't common. It is due to a failure to form good hip sockets. Younger dogs can do quite well just on muscle tone, but as the dog ages and arthritis sets in, problems show up. There is little that can be done. Glucosamine helps and so do pain killers. Aspirin is the only OTC one that is safe for dogs. One standard 325 mg tablet every would be about right for smaller shepherds. The vets have better painkillers.

Add to this Answer Ask a Question