Cow Hocks (in a dog)

Re: Cow Hocks

Malcolm Ness — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:39:32 GMT

Just seen this - been away over week end.

What you describe might be nothing more than poor conformation. In a dog as young as this, following clinical exam., I would be reviewing feeding to make sure that is is not being over-supplemented and then encourage the owner to exercise the dog as normal. Chances are that it will get fitter, remain sound and retain a poor conformation. Hip dysplasia would typically show itself as pain and dysfunction and usually in a dog just a little older than this. Hock OCD is uncommon, especially in this breed, but never say never. (Marked and reproducible pain on full - but not forced -flexion of the hock is an early sign of hock OCD)

If there is any sign of pain, lameness or reluctance to exercise then a repeat clinical exam and radiography will be indicated.

re the insurance - if the animal is reported normal and you can't find anything on a standard clinical exam to say otherwise, then this dog can be considered normal for insurance purposes. I don't think we can be expected to "crystal ball gaze" and if we were, then chondrodystrophics would be in the frame because of discs, cavaliers because of hearts, mastiffs because of cruciates etc etc.

Re: Cow Hocks

Mark Rowland — Sun, 13 May 2012 12:00:50 GMT

Already done, thank-you! Yep it's satisfying when you can advise to the best of your ability, do a bit of background work and then phone someone who can help get the client sorted eh;-) Thanks again

Re: Cow Hocks

Julian Earl — Sun, 13 May 2012 08:58:13 GMT

Pure coincidence that I'm replying and nothing to do with your "lack of response" comment on the specialist thread. Honest.

I would be suggesting problems like OCD of the hock rather than hip issues but would also telling them I would have a word with an orthopod to make sure. Someone like, ooh, Malcolm Ness maybe? Have you tried pm-ing him?

Re: Cow Hocks

Tim Cheyne — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:35:21 GMT

[quote user="Virginia Campbell"]Mybe put cow hocks (in a dog) as title in case people think you're actually talking about a bovine hock[/quote]

Yes, I have to admit that I viewed initially thinking with anticipation of some tasty dish.

Tim.

Re: Cow Hocks

Virginia Campbell — Sat, 12 May 2012 17:32:37 GMT

Bump. Mybe put cow hocks (in a dog) as title in case people think you're actually talking about a bovine hock problem hence no takers from the small animal contingent? I'm struggling to think of any cow hocked dogs in our practice that I have noticed. Can't find any sections on conformation in the books on our shelves either. My copy of Adams' Lameness in Horses frowns mightily upon cow hocks but can find no dog references. Sorry for the lack of help.