worried about my puppy legs
 

I got my first Yorkie Feb. of 2010. I love her sooo much that i was worried that she would be lonely the few hours i left her alone. We adopted our second puppy in Labor day of last year. His name is Wally he was born June 2010, he is the sweetest dog i have ever seem. after having him 2 weeks I noticed that his front paws did not look normal. When I took a closer look. to my surprise he was walking on his wrist and his paw was like a flap(like a loose sock falling of your foot) I called the vet.....I ended up takeing to a specialist we ended up splinting his paw and after 2 months he was walking much better. As he grew his back legs grew but his front legs are much shorter than his back legs. he looks sway back.He is at an angle his back is way taller than his front. My worry is will this affect his affect as he gets older. My vet dose not say much about it. Dose anyone had this problem? Any advice ? Thank you

If Wally had one leg injured and not both, then I would guess the shorter front legs would be a genetic fault. Have you spoken to his breeder about this?

I would consult an orthopedic specialist if the difference in front and back leg length is severe. At the very least, the specialist could tell you if you should be concerned about back problems and whether or not you need to take special precautions with Wally.

Wally
 

Thank you for responding and for you support. I took Wally to the Vet when I noticed he was not walking correctly. He recommend a very good Orthoepic surgeon with a great reputation in Jacksonville, FL. THey did x-rays.... He did decide that it was genetic. He respond well to the treatment. Started to walk on his paws after 2 months of splinting. I contacted the breeder and mailed her the paper work that the Orthopedic gave us. She really did not say much; she offered to take him back (i could not even think of doing that, even if i only had him for 2 weeks.) i figured i could provide good care for him. I haven not taking him back to the Orthopedic any more he is not in any pain and is a wonderful puppy. I might take him back next month to see what he thinks. I was just wondering if this is a common thing with Yorkies.(his front legs look like they belong to a Dashhound.) lol. My Vet dose not seem to be concern with it. I think he attitude is more like, if it is not broken, don't fix it and i do not want to seem over whelming. Also while i am on the subject both my Yorekies tongues have a split Molly has it in the mid back and Wally's is right in the front and they sleep with there tongue out of there mouth. Let me know what you think. Or if anyone has any similar issues

I wouldn't be able to return a pup either. :)

A significant difference in length between front and back legs is not common in Yorkies. Minor differences that throw off the topline (line of the back, from shoulders to tail) are common. The ideal or standard is that the topline is straight, a perfect horizontal line.

I'm no expert by any means, but my only concern would be that the difference in leg length may make the pup more susceptible to back/spinal problems. More stress may be put on the back. I'm not sure if there is anything you could do about it other than be aware if he ever shows any signs of back distress. Do you have a picture of Wally that you can share here? A side view to show the difference in his legs?

I am not familiar with split tongues. Did your pups come from the same breeder?

I have witnessed dogs in the ring that their rear is higher than their front. Legs are significantly longer in the rear......It is a genetic problem, although not diplitating or hindering their quality of life.....just not correct.

However, to reassure yourself, I would get him in to a an Orthepedic Specialist.

wally's pics
 

Yes, we did get them from the same breeder. And we paid top monies for them. When we noticed Molly's tongue we thought she had bit her tongue or something. agin the Vet said not to worry about it. But when we noticed Wally's tongue. I guess it was too late. I am attaching pictures. Thanks :)

more pics
 

more pics....

Wally does have a significant difference in leg length. I would follow Mary's (Mardelin) advice and return to the orthopedic specialist for an opinion. Probably have an xray done to check that his spine and front legs are okay.

Sounds like the tongue split might be genetic too. Hopefully someone with more experience can give you some insight on that subject.

As I've watched my pups grow at times I've witnessed them being low in the shoulder/high in the rear. As they grow their little body parts grow at different rates and yes at times the leg length is different.

However, it's very possible the pup's problem is with the shoulder......

thanks
 

thank you for you input. I will take him to the Orthopedic soon. I will keep you guys updated. BTW, I am very glad I joined Yorkie talk.

I have a 1 yo from an excellent blood line and her front legs are shorter than the rear and even they are quite short. She looks rather sway back, too. I am not sure if her back is longer or just appears that way because of the short legs. It just happens sometime in the best of families. I do worry that she will have back problems in time, but other than to be watchful of jumping or signs of pain I don't know what else can be done about it. Unfortunately she is a pogo pup who jumps straight up and down when she sees people coming.

First, I'll have to say that Wally is adorable! I don't have much information to offer you but did want to be a part of this thread for both Wally's well being and for educational purposes. I'm very curious what an orthopedic specialist will say.

Wally
 

Thanks, I know what You mean Wally is The sweetest. I do not think I could love him any more. The funny thing is that he is ether supper spoiled or because of his legs being shorter. He can go up the stairs but he can't get down. Unfortunately , I live in a two story house and we joke around saying Wally is waiting for The elevator. Lol He will not go down even one step. That's ok with me it makes me feel more needed. Lol, is you puppy as sway back as Wally ?

Waiting for the elevator, too funny! I don't let my boys use the stairs in our home because we have an open landing. We carry them up and down. They would love an elevator. :D

You will have to share more pictures so that we can see your sweet Wally's face, and his sister. :)

thanks, we really don't have an elevator. lol
I am the elevator. :)