Help My Puppy Has Cow Hock!PLEASE! - Page 1

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Dre Stylez

by Dre Stylez on 21 June 2009 - 03:06

My 5 month old GSD has is Cow Hocked and I freaking out that he might get Hip Dysplasia due to it! Is Cow Hock even related to Hip Dysplasia? How do I improve his Cow Hock? If i do have him walk uphill/in the sand/swim, how much exercise should I give him to also prevent Hip Dysplasia? Are there any joint supplements that can help?
(sorry for asking so many questions its just that im realy worried)

Video of Him Walking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unW6qMtjOtQ


Pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37929433@N02/3647441322/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37929433@N02/3647439586/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37929433@N02/3647437542/


Thanks,

Dre

VonIsengard

by VonIsengard on 21 June 2009 - 03:06

Ok, take a deep breath. Cow hocks are not related to HD, first of all. Second, it is not uncommon for young puppies, particularly those with significant rear angulation, to have cowhocks at a young age. Of course, it is by no means desirable, but your puppy is at a VERY awkward stage in his development! You are already doing the right thing walking him in sand and swimming him, and as long as you have him on a very high quality diet there is no need to worry over supplements.  He may grow out of it in whole or partially, only time will tell.

Uber Land

by Uber Land on 21 June 2009 - 05:06

first thing I would ask is does he spend any time in a kennel?  if so, how long is he kenneled,  and what type of flooring does it have.  if he is on a smooth surface such as a kennel with plywood or 2x4 flooring, get im out of it and on a surface where he can get better footing.  the walking him in sand and having him swim are excellent ways to strengthen his rear muscles and tighten those ligaments. cowhocks do not lead to HD.

Can you post a picture?  most dogs grow out of cowhocks with good diet, exercise and maturity,  but some do not.  


panzertoo

by panzertoo on 21 June 2009 - 10:06

just go get the dog X-rayed ,its better than sitting around worrying. OFA prelims are very reliable if it comes back good than I wouldn't worry anymore, hip dysplasia is strictly genetic so no supplemnt os going to prevent it.

by 1doggie2 on 21 June 2009 - 13:06

I love the "take a breath" so true. My daughter has a showline with cowhocks, actually to look at her in the front and the back, you would think she is a mess, she has the the best hips and elbows of any Gsd I have ever seen even the vet said the best she had ever seen. She has a front leg that looks like she twists it when she runs, yet her prelims looked like text book prefection.

by oso on 21 June 2009 - 13:06

Its amazing how so many people think that cow hocks is related to hip dysplasia and will tell you confidently that your pup has dysplasia just because he has pronounced rear angulation and/or cow-hocks! There is no relationship whatsoever so just ignore those comments, if you want go ahead and do a prelim, but not because he is cow-hocked. What others have posted is correct, this is very common in puppies and almost certainly will improve with age and excersise (I have not seen your videos, my dial-up connection is too slow, better post a picture here?). I believe climbing hills and running on uneven ground is supposed to help, don't overdo it obviously. A glucosamine / chondroitin supplement might help to strengthen the ligaments. Good luck!

buckeyefan gsd

by buckeyefan gsd on 21 June 2009 - 15:06

panzertoo are you telling this person that nothing but genetics has to do with dysplasia?is this true?i was under the impression that there were alot of factors that is why hip guarantees are such a touchy subject.jumping, pulling,running,and too much over exursion have alot to do with it.not trying to start an argument,just clarification.

by oso on 21 June 2009 - 16:06

It is mostly genetics but environmental factors have also been show to play a part, particualry too rapid growth I believe, and most responsible people are careful re overexcersing puppies young dogs.

panzertoo

by panzertoo on 21 June 2009 - 16:06

no jumping running etc can not cause hip dysplasia there are no known eviromental causes of dysplasia,if a dog had dysplasia it could possibly be made worse by letting the dog get too fat etc but you cannot cause it enviromental causes would not explain the huge difference in dysplasia rates among breeds sighthounds who are bred for running have very low dysplasia rates ,breeds with high rates of excellent have lower rates of dysplasia breeds with higher rates of dysplasia have higher percentage of dogs with fair hips and lower rates of dogs with excellent hips

panzertoo

by panzertoo on 21 June 2009 - 16:06

It is generally considered that hip dysplasia is a quantitative inherited disease with moderate heritability. This means that hip dysplasia is strictly an inherited disease but environmental factors can modify the expression of the disease. There has not been scientifically documented a single environmental factor that causes or prevents hip dysplasia.



Thank you for your inquiry.





G.G. Keller, D.V.M., MS

Diplomate ACVR

Chief of Veterinary Services

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals








--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Kellytoonces@aol.com [mailto:Kellytoonces@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2004 6:57 AM
To: OFA
Subject: attn Dr Keller



Hi Dr.Keller....what do you say to people who claim hip dysplasia has low heritability and is enviromental??





 


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