Weak Pasterns?

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by Abby Normal on 18 October 2011 - 16:10

Ibrahim, the dogs in those photo's are what I would call 'down' on their pasterns, which is to say the pasterns are completely let down. Terrible and sad.

Weak are not as extreme. I don't like to take a photo of anyone's dog to illustrate what I would call 'weak' but it would be much more angulated than the OP's dog, and considerably less than a dog that's totally 'down' on their pasterns. Not much help as a description I know - wish I could illustrate, but sure someone will, sorry LOL.

by Ibrahim on 18 October 2011 - 16:10

She said that they are quite weak , and that for any jumping or hard exercise he should be wearing braces for his pasterns.

Aby Normal,

Yes I know what weak pasterns look like, they would be over angulated but not completely down. If the OP did not post pictures then what the doctor told the OP would drive one's imagination to something close to the pics I posted, the doctor said quite weak pasterns moreove recomended braces, as if it wasn't good enough to just say slightly weak or a bit soft pasterns though the OP's dog's pasterns are quite good and the older he gets the stronger they will be.

Ibrahim

by Abby Normal on 18 October 2011 - 22:10

Ibrahim, yes the pics you posted would maybe benefit from braces, poor dogs.

I think she just needs to find another vet, as suggesting that dog needs his pasterns braced is like telling Marilyn Monroe she needed a facelift LOL. No offence intended to you Ibrahim.

by Ibrahim on 18 October 2011 - 22:10

Lol Aby Normal at Marlene facelift, I agree with you on consulting another vet.
Do you think weak pasterns is a concern in the GSD nowadays or is it still within acceptable magnitude?

Ibrahim

by Blitzen on 18 October 2011 - 22:10

I believe the dogs pictured here suffer from a condition known as carpal subluxation or downed pasterns. You can google either and find some information. I believe Fred Lanting has written an article on it too.

It's not unusual for some GSD puppies to be down in the pasterns; as they mature the pasterns greatly improve. It's not easy to breed a dog where the length of the pastern is equal to 1/3 the entire length of the leg and not have some growth issues.

by Abby Normal on 19 October 2011 - 22:10

Hi Ibrahim
No I don't think that weak pasterns are a problem generally within the breed. I would say overall they within acceptable ranges. Obviously some better than others but IMO not a problem. Nice to be able to say that!

by bazza on 20 October 2011 - 09:10

Ibrahim, those pasterns are shocking, I could barely look at them!! I believe some people involved in the breed are more of a problem than the breed has or ever will have, and I do not include you or I in that!!!

by Kalibeck on 24 October 2011 - 16:10

Wolf's very firm pasterns

Kali's slightly soft pasterns

their progeny Ansgar's pretty firm pasterns. Your dogs pasterns look great, straighter than my older females! jackie harris

by Nans gsd on 10 December 2011 - 16:12

Swimming is the best for strengthening pastersn; let them tread water for a while if you can. You can use life jacket which will allow them to be able to tread water longer without your help. Best of luck Nan

by amysavesjacks on 10 December 2011 - 21:12

I found a really good image guide to grade the pastern in the GSD...

http://www.aboutgermanshepherddog.com/userfiles/image/pastern.JPG

If you look at your dog compared to the chart... See how you think he measures up. The one with the red marks are the "correct" angulation. (Five, obviously, being severe angulation to the pastern). I cropped your photo to put it in here next to the guide but couldnt get it to copy on to here. But maybe you can try that yourself (and here's where I found the photo... http://www.aboutgermanshepherddog.com/page.php?page_id=72 )

But when I did it myself.. I only see slight angulation of possibly 2 or 3.

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