We purchased our adorable westie puppy yesterday. She(Holly) is 7 weeks old(today). When she runs it looks like her back legs are sort of squatting and are further out than her front legs. Is this just a puppy 'symptom' or could this be the Legg-Perthes hip joint disorder?

hi,

I don't know anything about Westies I'm afraid but I wanted to say congratulations on your new puppy. Holly is such a lovely name and is perfect for cute little puppies.

Fiona and Holly the 20wk old Cocker Spaniel :D :D :D
x x x

Hi Hollywestie

I assume you will be taking her to the vet for a checkup on Monday - mention your concerns to him

Hope she is okay

Christine

Hi, hopefully it will just be poor conformation rather than something seriously wrong, some puppies are cow hocked - hocks pointing inwards with splayed legs and the toes pointing outwards. If mild , may well improve with maturity, but not necessarily. Legge Perthes symptoms, are actual lameness in a hind leg - it rarely affects both legs - often first noticed by the dog holding the affected leg up and running on 3 legs, now and again or permanently. Also spotted by the dog holding one hind leg up and flexing it, often whilst eating. Legge Perthes is seldom seen before 5/6 months and it may be as late as 9/10 months. It is very important not to over exersise puppies or allow runnning up and downstairs, jumping off furniture/beds should be discouraged too, as some think it can be brought on in susceptable puppies, who may have remained sound with less exersise/trauma to the hip joint.

We went to the vets and holly is fine. She had her first injection as well.

Phew!! :-)