What can you do if a dog is turning out on his pasterns and is also weak and unable to stand on his toes.

It's difficult to advise because it could be one of two very different problems. Some dogs have 'broken' down pasterns, maybe due to injury and need rest, anti-inflammatories and then very gradual building up. Other have weak pasterns due to lack of exercise - lots of road walking can improve this. Then of course some just have poor pasterns bred in. Young dogs sometimes turn out at the front and sometimes it improves with age. It's such a difficult thing to diagnose and rectify. I would speak to your dogs breeder who will be best placed to advise on it's line :-)

If it is a puppy I would check his weight and that he is not putting on loads every week (growing too fast)

The breeder has been not help whatsoever.  I have seen pictures of the parents and they are straight his weight is kept down and I walk him every day I am never sure how much to do but usually walk for about 1/2 to 3/4 hr.  That was built up from 6 months. I friend abroad said when I sent photo's that it looked like his pasterns had crashed not sure what they mean.

He is 11 months old I feed him on Arden Grange Large Breed Adult since 6 months to slow the growing down

Hi Peppe it may help posters to give you a better answer if you mention the breed involved. The same advice would not be given for a Giant breed as it would for a medium breed or a smaller breed. This is allowed when you are not discussing litters.

He's an Aussie Sandra

It is possible for the tendons that hold the leg below the (wrist) to stretch or tear and the dog then has no control of the leg below the joint meaning it will walk on the pastern. It usually only goes on the one side and then in an older dog but in your case with a puppy walking like this you need a vet to look at this and if possible correct the condition before the dog is any older.

I have been to a vet but they do not seem to have any idea what is wrong. I have been so upset as I have reared him very carefully I did not mention the breed as I know somebody from that breed writes on here and as I want to get another one I am worried they will blame me for what has happened.  I breed roughs and bearded for 30 years and have never had a problem like this.

I have been told he dose not show the problem when moving in fact his movement is very good and when eating as his bowl is raised stand on his toes but if he stand naturally it shows he will stand correct on one leg and then turn the other out and visa versa

Walking up hills and walking on sand/gravel is meant to be good for tightening the toes & wrists up.
These are things I was advised when my pup went down on his pasterns & his feet turned out, however he was much younger (5 months old) and a change of diet seemed to do the trick.

Are his elbows OK? Elbow problems can cause the dog to turn it's leg out and stand 'wrongly'. I don't mean to be a worry-wart, it's just a thought.

I know that Peppe has already been given a lot of help and advice from people in the breed when she has asked about this.
I don't think it would stop you getting another dog at all  :-) ..... just go through the breed club puppy co-ordinators, check health tests etc...
The last time I saw your dog he was carrying excess weight and I did say that to you when you asked... maybe him losing some weight would help a bit ??
Also, get him hip and elbow scored when he is old enough...

Gabrielle

We got his weight down some time ago the x-rays the vet took showed the elbows were OK as we had the legs checked just incase there was anything wrong with his bone structure.  I would love to know who Gabrielle is and you obviously know me.

Gabrielle What food would you recommend to keep weight off as he is now much slimmer but it is hard with the Arden Grange even though he is on large breed

My young boy does turn one foot out but if you place it it stays straight his is elbow scored 0-0  years ago they advised to add chalk to the diet not quite sure how its works but i have seen dogs improve with this , we came to the conclusion  my boy is just very lazy  , when alert and standing he is fine but when he relaxes his foot just turns out

Hi Peppe,
           If I want my Aussies to put weight on I feed Royal Canin (Medium Sensible) and when I want weight off the bitches I feed Arden Grange Lamb and Rice, or Arden Grange Light....
My avatar will tell you who I am !!

Hope that helps...
Gabrielle x

Must be thick still cannot think who you are give a more direct clue.  Would you give Arden Grange light to a growing puppy

Hi Gabrielle

Went obedience training this morning started a new club couple of weeks ago he loves it they love him as he is very intelligent as my other half says the dog's good the handler is useless, never done this side before but really enjoying it.  The only problem we had was he was convinced a lab was the one my son brings round and wanted to be with him.

hi there we have friends who bought a dogue puppy and he couldnt stand on his front as his pasterns had collapsed,however restricted on-lead only exercise and swimming at a hydrotherapy pool helped greatly,the insurance paid for the hydro lessons but thay did end up spending around £2000 getting him right.his front will never be his fortune but they do now have a dog that can stand and walk ok.hope this helps..