White boxer puppy walking funny. HELP!

[krisr]

I just rescued a 5 month old white boxer puppy that is deaf from some people that were going to take her to the pound today. Other than being pretty thin... maybe 10 pounds under weight, she is walking funny. It's hard to explain, but I'll give it a try. She doesn't walk on the pads of her feet like my other dogs do... she walks and stands almost on her hocks. It would be the opposite of her walking on her tip toes. She doesn't move very fast either, probably because of the way she is walking. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, but it's very strange to me. A friend of mine mentioned Panosteitis, but I'd like to hear if anyone else has any ideas. If it is Pano, I'm hoping that high quality food will help fix this problem. Please help! This baby deserves to be healthy and happy! She's absolutely precious.

 

[Bar B]

Pano is a growing disease that usually is painful to the joints and bones. What you are discribing sounds to me like splay feet which is a deformity. I tried to find a pic on the net to show you to see if that is what you see but have had no luck in finding one. I did have a rescue girl that was cow-hocked with splay feet. Her front feet laid out in front of her and she was 3 when I brought her home. She passed however at the age of 5, not due to her deformities but to liver disease. The condition did not slow her any but she did have a very different look (physically) and she did run rather weird.

 

[lafsalot]

Did her previous owners keep her in a small confined space? If so, she may have developed muscle atrophy that should improve once she is properly exercised. Do let us know how this little one makes out ~ Cathy

 

[krisr]

Splay Feet - Found a picture.

Thank you for your advice. I found a picture of splay feet on the internet and that is exactly what her feet look like. I also believe that the previous owners kept her locked in a crate for most of her young life and rarely let her out to exercise. She is absolutely terrified of a crate. She does not have much muscle and is quickly exhausted when playing with my other boxers. She is also starved for love and attention. Some people should not be allowed to have dogs. It makes me so angry to see an innocent dog that has been mistreated. Anyway, thanks for your help!