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guccinissa
Tue, Nov 28, 2023
Others

My puppy is a miniature dachshund and age has a pretty long back even for her breed. We have standard size dachshunds that she plays with, sometime very rough. One night I noticed her back legs were bowed, so we stopped having her play with our other dachshunds. And it now her legs are getting better and aren’t bowed anymore but now I’ve noticed that her lower half of her leg when she walks bends to the side. I don’t know what to do about. It’s not causing her any pain at all, she


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Dr. Windom
Dr.Tail Vet

It's important to consider the breed's predisposition to certain musculoskeletal problems. Dachshunds, due to their long backs and short legs, are prone to spinal issues, such as intervertebral disc disease, which can sometimes manifest in the way the legs function or appear.

The current bending to the side of her lower legs when walking could be related to a few different issues. It might be a structural abnormality, a growth-related issue, or a sign of a joint or bone problem. Puppies can sometimes have growth plate issues that can cause leg deformities if not addressed.

Since she's behaving normally, there's a good chance that no urgent action is needed right now. However, please note that the exact status can only be determined by inspection.

At home, you can do the following to support your puppy's musculoskeletal health:

Ensure she's not engaging in overly rough play or jumping from heights, as this can exacerbate any underlying conditions. I recommend avoiding extreme exercise and behavioral restrictions.

Extra weight can put additional strain on her back and legs. Ensure she's on a balanced diet appropriate for her age and size.

Regular, gentle walks can help maintain muscle tone and joint mobility without putting too much stress on her body.

If you notice that her leg is bending more than before, it's best to take her to the vet to find out exactly what's going on. It will be a behavior that will prevent spinal and leg problems in the long run.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to come back to us! Thank you.