My daughter has a 6mo old Great Dane. His hind legs sway inward and his feet point outward ( like a duck) when he walks. He has difficulty getting up stairs and isnt eating well. Ideas?
2007-03-06 12:31:22 · 6 answers · asked by spicyohio 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
With Giant breed dogs sometime they have a problem called knuckling. This is because of the food they are eating. To high in protein.
Please check the protein level in the dogs food. It should not be over 24 % for Giant breed dogs. If you are fed the pup Iams dog food then there is a problem. Iams has been linked to kuckling in Giant breed dogs, as well as large breed dogs..
Please have your daughter bring her pup into the vets to see if this is the problem with her dog. Her vet then can recomend a better dog food. With diet change these dogs can grow to be big strong love bugs they are ment to be.
They do now make dog food just for Giant breed dogs.
2007-03-06 12:39:50 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Golden gal♥ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Has he always been like this or has he had some trauma to his back. Wobblers is a great dane problem that usually presents at about 3 years old but can be earlier than that if there is an injury. Its where the cushioning between the neck vertebrae isnt there and first symptoms usually are, unwillingness to lift head, moping, followed by difficulty in walking, laying down and basically all movement is restricted. Its very uncomfortable and heartbreaking as they give up, and die early. Knocked knees is also a problem with great danes, acerbated by a too high in protien diet which makes them grow too fast. They are usually born with it. Corrective surgery is available but its very expensive and recovery is lengthy and painful. Call the breeder you got her from and ask. Breeders usually know more about dane problems than the vets do.
2007-03-06 12:55:04 · answer #2 · answered by Big red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First if you are feeding him a puppy food, even large breed get him off it!! Do NOT EVER feed any Dane puppy a puppy food or any food over 24% protein. Second get this puppy into a vet asap..he needs a complete exam including x-rays.
I also suggest checking his pedigree and finding out if any of the dogs in it or in his ltter have had problems such as wobblers, HOD, hip dysplasia or any other bone/joint issues. Hopefully you have informed the breeder what is going on (hopefully you bought this pup from a responsible breeder one who health tests..OFA/PennHip, etc).
Some good food choices for a Dane: Canidae All Life Stages, Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul Adult Large Breed Formula, Wellness, Solid Gold, California Natural just to name a few.
2007-03-06 12:51:31 · answer #3 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian for sure. It sounds like he may have some hip or knee issues which can be diagnosed with x-rays and depending on the severity of the problem may be improved with surgery. Feeding your puppy a large breed diet will help control his rate of growth and ultimately help with proper bone development
2007-03-06 12:55:42 · answer #4 · answered by Rachel 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
could have a hip problem going on. sounds like an orthopaedic issue and you may need to seek referral to a specialtist for that. Contact your vet for a referral if needed
2007-03-06 12:36:48 · answer #5 · answered by leftygirl_75 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A trip to the vet for hip x-rays is a must
2007-03-06 12:48:19 · answer #6 · answered by taranheart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋