Hi there,

My 16 month old JRT has what I think is 'bunny hopping gait' - both back legs (right leg worse) seems unable to keep up with his front legs (in fact he's a little 'front' heavy). Through the internet (not always great for settling your mind), I have been reading up on this condition and have come across ataxia and spinal dysraphism and wonder if I'm blowing things out of proportion? The reason being is that the other night, for no apparent reason, Jake started shaking all over and also had watery eyes. The next morning he seemed fine.
Jake had also had a few episodes of jerking back legs, scratching the sofa and running around in circles and not being able to settle. However, I've been led to believe this may have been through him being stung by stinging nettles. Can anyone give me some peace of mind?
And is it possible that I'm over walking Jake as he may have this condition? My partner seems to think this could be a factor? I walk them, on average, 2 hours a day. I don't personally think so but thought I'd ask :)

hi, for peace of mind you really need to take him to the vet and have the vet watch him walk and have a feel of the joints and probably x-ray him.
as you can see he is not walking normally I would not leave it as if he has got issues in hips, legs or spine his exersise will need to be tailored arround it else you could make the situation a lot worse.  only person who can tell you whats going on properly is the vet.

It really does sound like a typical example of slipping patella, loose kneecaps.

Don't think the other conditions are anything to do with the "bunny hop" and some of them just sound like the sort of things dogs do on occasion - however if you are worried you should see a vet and advice about the knees should be sought as well. Two hours walking would be fine with an adult dog who had sound joints but it would seem your JRT does not.

Bunny hopping to me suggests luxating patella (what Nova said) or hip dysplasia.  Best to get him checked out either way.

I saw a westie who was bunny hopping and she had ripped both cruciates but you would be aware if it was this because she was running full pelt and squealed when she did it.

P/Luxation was the first thing that came to mind also.

My Rottie ruptured both her cruciates (5 weeks apart), didn't squeal, and didn't even limp until after we'd got home. She had a little snooze, and when she got up was limping. Maybe she just has a high pain threshold.