Hi all,

A relative of mine has recently got a puppy GSP.  (Cute!!)

On her first appointment / first vet check all was well and healthy apart from that the vet said she had a slight deformity on her lower rib cage, and I think he termed it a bit of floating bone?  He said it would not cause her any harm at all and just said if she was considering showing her it wouldn't be good. 

My relative has no intention of showing so this isn't an issue, just as long as she is healthy and won't cause any long term health problems.  I know nothing about this condition and wondered if anyone has any information they can offer and could advise or let me know your experiences.  The pup was bought from a breeder and I am really suprised that they didn't mention it, so also how would you suggest we go about bringing it up with them?

Any advice appreciated.

Dawn R

a floating rib (rather than just bone) is the 13th rib on the canine skeleton, only attached to the spinal column. 
If it's a piece of floating bone, has the vet suggested any treatment?

Hi , i had a dog who had a floating rib , he lived to be 13 1/2 and it never gave him any problems at all.

It's not uncommon in my breed. Nothing to worry about. Can look a bit unattractive, thus not desirable in a show dog. Nor in a dog you want to breed. But the dog will have no ill effects, and it's definitely not anything which needs treatment.
Since the dog in question is bought as a companion dog, no harm done. Maybe the breeder didn't notice? The ribcage is very soft in young pups, it's quite possible she didn't realize this was something out of the ordinary.
Enjoy the pup, and don't worry. No need to do anything about it at all.
HTH
Karen

Thanks very much to all for help and advice - it's reassuring to hear.

Dawn