The vet said that my puppy is cow-hocked. I know what the means as far his legs being kinda turned out and he walks at an angle to the direction that he's going and that it can make him a little slower and tire him quicker. But what does it mean in turns of his health? Am I correct in assume that he is more likely to have hip problems (he's a saint/newf mix so hips are already something to watch)? Does this cause him and pain, other than getting tired more quickly? Could this be why he doesn't want to get up on things himself (like the couch, he's 11 weeks and physically big enough)?
2007-12-15 11:51:29 · 8 answers · asked by ? 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Cow Hocked is when the "heels" turn in and sometimes rub together when the dog walks. Not pretty at all.
There is some evidence that badly cow hocked puppies have a higher than average occurance of hip dysplasia. Something to watch. Also, possible knee problems, since the proper function is not there. In and of istelf, it shpuld not cause any pain or problems....especially at this age. If it was MY pup, I would find a vet that does PennHip and have that dome at 4-5 months. It will give you a good idea of what the future holds for the hips.
In the mean time.......NO stairs, NO slippery floors, THIN puppy, LIMITED exercise ON grass, NO concrete.
You may want to talk to the vet about a Glucosamine/Chondroition supplement too. we put puppies on it at 10 weeks and keep them on it for life. Glyco-Flex is good and they have it at the vet, but is $$$. You can use human supplement from drug store a LOT cheaper!!!
2007-12-15 11:57:49 · answer #1 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Horses are never perfect so if the slight cow hocks are not producing a problem in her movement i would not worry about it. whether or not it could be passed on depends on the cause of the cow hocks. if it is genetic it 'could' be passed on if those genes are the ones which are in the egg which gets fetilised, and even if they are passed on they will not necessarily be expressed - the stallions 'hock' genes might be expressed instead. It is also possible the cow hocks are caused by an environemtnal factor - feeding and growth as a youngster or injury, even just being made to move irregularly as a youngster could cause the joints to misform subtly causing the slight cow hocks. Overall conformation, movement, temperment and whether or not you actually like and get along with the horse are far more important than being free of any, even minor, flaws and perfection is generally an unachievable goal. It is wise to only breed from good quality animals - regardless of the breed and species - but good quality does not mean perfect and cow hocks that do not affect movement, cause pain or other problems are little more than an asthetic point and should have little bearing on the future breeding, showing and selling potential of your new mare or her offspring as you can ensure they are well cared for and trained to make the best of themselves and their positive attributes which will more than compensate for any minor flaw which may or may not be present! Buy the mare, breed pretty foals, make me even more envious!
2016-05-24 03:15:01 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hocked
2016-10-12 23:25:57 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it doesn't cause him pain, nor will it keep him from getting up on the couch. It's poor conformation and it would keep a working dog from being able to be on the move all day because they'd tire too quickly. Being cow-hocked doesn't necessarily mean he's going to have hip dysplasia. They're both faults but one doesn't have anything to do with the other.
2007-12-15 12:01:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Being cow hocked isn't a big health risk itself, although it may lead to a slightly bigger risk in a knee injury sometime in the future. He is more prone to hip dysplasia due to his breed and size. Usually dogs with hip dysplasia bunny hop more when they run (keep the back legs together) and don't like to get up on their back legs. Dysplasia can be very painful and can lead to arthritis and joint damage. Be sure to keep your puppy on a large breed food and don't let him get over weight. If you see problems as he gets older, you can have your veterinarian do and x-ray to see if he is dysplastic. There are surgeries that can help.
2007-12-15 12:10:36 · answer #5 · answered by TKS 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It may not mean anything. Your dog is young and has lots of growing to do. You might want to check back with your vet about check hips, elbows ect. That would be my biggest concern. They can do a preliminary hip radiograph at around 18 mo just to see what is going on......OFA certification is 2 yrs or older. Good Luck
2007-12-15 12:02:15 · answer #6 · answered by lt4827 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be a good idea if you talk to your vet about your poor puppy's legs. Good luck!
2007-12-15 12:00:53 · answer #7 · answered by Kelly_from_Texas 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no
2007-12-15 11:53:45 · answer #8 · answered by lilcutieerika 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋