Back legs

by Janssen
(Iowa)

I have had St. Bernards for the past 25 years, and recently rescued a Great Pyrenees. I was worried about the way his back end moved, but vet felt everything. He is now six months old and is still very clumsy and seems almost week in his hind area. I am praying that it is just puppy clumsiness. He does not seem to be in any pain. My question is...are they prone to hip problems, and if so how does it present?

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Apr 05, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hang in there
by: Ed A from NJ

All large breeds can get hip displasia but they say it can't really be diagnosed until they are around 8 months old. However if your vet just checked him and says everything looks fine that is very promising. Pyrenees go through some awkward stages as they have growth experts so clumsy is possible. Keep him nice and trim and don't over do exercise until you know. Good luck I hope it works out.
Apr 05, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hip Problems
by: Anonymous

Hi Jansen,

From my experience, they are not prone like St. Bernards. But, that is not to say there is not an issue with your rescue (and, thank you for rescuing!)

I would recommend you try another vet. Have x-rays done. What your pup is doing doesn't sound right. Dr. Graham of this club suggests perhaps it is a bilateral grade 3 patella.

Best of luck with your pup.
Apr 05, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		growing pups
by: wendy

Make sure you're feeding proper food and nutrition to this large breed dog. Growth plates can grow fast and a specially formulated food for large breed pups is a good idea. Also making sure the pup is not overweight and not strenuously exercised while in the fast, gangly growing process.

Research hip dysplasia and prevention in pups. Some of it comes from bad breeding and is hereditary. A good breeder has their dog OFA'd and knees rated and does not produce pups if there are issues with either parent, but even with positive ratings, there can be issues.

Make sure the pup is not on slippery surfaces (like hardwoods) where growing bones can slip out of place as a put gets rambunctious in play etc.
Apr 06, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks for feedback
by: Anonymous

Thank you all so much. This guy spent the first months of his life on a short chain and in a very small doghouse for warmth in a terribly cold climate. Praying he outgrows this. He is a fabulous dog considering his past. Never thought I would be truly happy with anything but a Saint, but this fella stole my heart.

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