bones sticking out of his ribcage- is that normal?

[Caroplourde]

Hello, I was wondering if this was normal - my boxer has like a pointy bone sticking out of his rib cage on both sides. It does not seem to bother him or hurt him in anyway and it is only apparent when he breathes very deeply on makes certain movements. :confused:

 

[jdvzbxr]

Floating rib

I belive what your seeing is his very last rib. It is called the floating rib. It does not connect to the sternum like the other ribs. This makes it stick out a little.

 

[Krikkit]

It does sound like floating ribs

This page shows them:

ANATOMY OF THE DOG - SKELETON
http://www.thedoghows.com/factory/dog anatomy/skeletons.html

 

[Caroplourde]

I knew it must be something like that ! I will now sleep easier now that I'm sure it's okay.

Thank's a lot!