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Saint Bernards => Saint Bernard General Discussions => : saintluver January 30, 2008, 06:40:47 PM

: Puppy Conformation - specifically, hocks
: saintluver January 30, 2008, 06:40:47 PM
I just got a Saint puppy with poor conformation behind. He is 13 weeks old and was kept in a confined area until he came to our house. If he was a horse I would say that he is cow hocked. The question is, is it POSSIBLE that it is a growth and/or strength issue (he is a bit underweight, but eating VERY well) and he will straighten out as he gets stronger or is it just poor breeding?? Opinions please? He goes to my vet on Saturday for a general check up.

Thanks for your help.
: Re: Puppy Conformation - specifically, hocks
: Guardian Angel's White lightning January 30, 2008, 06:46:51 PM
HI finally someone who also has the same issue!!! Look, my pup was the exact same way...cow hocked and all...they call it that in dogs too. BUt by 6 months they evened out.  He should be fine later in life, titan has loose hocks now...jiggle too much when he gaits.but at 13 weeks, no worries!!! Growing will take place and funny looking dog will come out one morning...and the next is your beautiful pup again!
: Re: Puppy Conformation - specifically, hocks
: maxsmom January 30, 2008, 07:07:35 PM
Cow hocks is exactly what our regular vet and the orthopedic specialist we see calls it.  I noticed it with Max, when we got him and assumed it was just him growing.  Now, sometimes when I look at him, they appear to be slightly turned in, sometimes they are perfectly straight.  We also noticed it, although much more pronounced and constant in Cody.  It turns out that it can be an indicator or bad hips, knees, ankles, or all three.  With Cody, he has a very bad hip that we are going to have to replace.  The dog we are trying to place appears to have it slightly, but his x-rays are clear.  The vet feels his is just not enough muscle and he was starving when we found him.  From what I have experienced, heard and read, cow hocks, can be an indicator of a lot of different things, including bad breeding, bad nutrition, growth phase, bad hips, knees or ankles, or they indicate nothing at all.  Hopefully, your pup is just growing and his are slightly loose right now.
Kathy