wobbly legs

[kasher+tazz]

My 6 month old staff has a strange way of standing and has done since she i got her (8 weeks) Her legs wobble at her 'ankle joints' this happens quite reguarly so i asked my vet when i took her in to be spayed, he said she had really slack ligaments but didnt explain anything more other than she may develope arthritis when she is older. Does anyone know if there is anything I can do to help prevent this or any more problems with her little legs?
She is a healthy, happy and very energetic pup in every other way!!

Thank you

[Luba]

What did the vet say?

[kasher+tazz]

the vet said to me what i have said - just that it is slack ligaments and she may develope arthritis when she is older. I just dont like to see her legs like that, its never when she is running or playing just when she is standing or sitting they start to bend and shake a little, im sure there must be something i can do. Ive never seen a puppy or dog do what her legs do.

[Carina]

"Slack ligaments?"
Never heard of such a thing. Can you get some more specific information from this vet? Or...another opinion?
I'm assuming you didn't get your pup from a decent breeder who can give you some information?

I have Rottweilers; so know a bit about joint issues. Some ideas for maintenance (bear in mind I have no clue what your vet is referring to.)
*Glucosamine/Chrondriotin supplements are an EXCELLENT idea for dogs with joint/connective tissue problems. Daily. For life. Absolutely no side effects. Can make an amazing difference, speaking from experience. Do this!
*Keep her very lean. Not an ounce opf extra fat. This will go a huge way in helping her grow stroing joints, and will help delay offset of early arthritis.
*Good diet. I feed raw, but there are many excellent diets available & it's unlikely you will find any decent kibble in your grocery store or at your vets. There's been a couple of recent discussions on dog food, check them out.
*Lots of low impact exercise, minimize jumping & such for at least another 6 months as bones are still growing. Swimming when possible is excellent. Strong muscles will compensate for joint/connective weaknesses.

Just some ideas; bear in mind I'm not a vet & really don't know what this "slack ligament" thing is. If your vet is unable or unwilling to be more specific or give you any ideas (like I just did) I'd find another vet. All vets are not created equal.

[1john44]

My father feed his doberman, what the vet told him was good food. Turned out it was to high in protien and he grew to fast causing a nerological disorder. Vet expected the dog to have to be put to sleep last winter. He has what is called wobblers. He gets real unsteady on his feet and wobbles. It appears like he shakes at the joints just like you said. They gave him steriod shots and that seemed to help, but then my dad got a lab puppy and let me tell you that made the difference. Now that Sisco has a little friend to play with (not so little anymore) he has made a100% improvement.

[Luba]

2nd opinion

ask for a referral to an orthopaedic vet specialist

[kasher+tazz]

Thank you for your help. She does have a friend to play with, my other very silly doberman called tazz. He is a rescue dog and was very shy until she came along - they bounce of each other and she has taught him a thing or two!

[1john44]

Let us know what you find out! You might ask about the steriod shots. They didn't cost a whole lot, and they did help. But I know that cold weather made my dad's dog worse, so I don't know if that is the same with your puppy.