My 8-week-old puppy has bowed, wobbly rear legs. Is it serious?

Hello. This is most likely just due to how the puppy developed in utero. Hopefully, with time, the legs will strengthen. You can very gently manipulate the legs, doing range of motion exercises, but it would be best to have your veterinarian examine the puppy & show you the best way to help this little one. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

What you're describing could be hip disease, spinal cord issues or even an infection. If it doesn't get better over the next few days he needs to get checked out by your veterinarian, sooner if if gets worse or he seems painful.

I would suggest taking Aurora's pup for a vet exam. It could be a congesnital disorder or the pup may have been injuries inadvertently if Aurora sat on her or moved her. The earlier treatment instituted in some of these cases the better the chance the pup will have normal function.

Hello. This pup has a deformity that involves the joints of the rear legs. You should have your veterinarian assess the puppy immediately and see if there is a way to tape or wrap them to help. This will probably not correct in its own without some type of support wrap and physical therapy and even then it may not get better. Please have your vet examine the puppy ASAP. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This is most certainly a congenital problem, essentially a birth defect. Whether there are any treatments depends on how severe the problem is, does it involve all the long bones in the legs, it this mainly a problem with joint & tendon laxity, or are certain structures underdeveloped or missing all together. X-rays are imperative. Depending on what is seen, & how much time & money you wish to spend on this poor little guy would determine a treatment plan. Surgery may be an option, but leg braces & splints may be appropriate, too. In the short term, he will probably do fine, but with time & age, he may be very prone to developing abrasions & pressure sores, & most likely arthritis. If you decide to adopt this sweet guy, go in with the anticipation of higher than normal care costs, & unexpected problems that can arise. A special needs pet needs a very special owner. Thank you for considering adoption. Take care.

Hello. It can actually be rather difficult to diagnose hip dysplasia in a puppy this young with x-rays. Often we need to be able to diagnose laxity in the joint under anesthesia or see pain when the hips are manipulated, Lameness when walking or bunny hopping when running are classic signs, too. I am not sure I would be doing the Osnate - d ( Vitamin D ) or the Xobix ( anti-inflammatory medication ) as the Vit. D can cause imbalances & if there is no pain or lameness, the anti-inflammatory is not going to do any good. I think you need another opinion, perhaps with a veterinary neurologist, to make sure there are no spinal cord lesions affecting his gait. If this is hip dysplasia, unnecessary supplementation with the Vit. D may make things worse as most dogs seem to get much better on their own by the time they are 12-18 months of age. If you can have Ghost reevaluated, that would be the best thing to do. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach..

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The best thing to do is to have an X-ray of the legs done at your Vet. I would highly recommend a boarded orthopedic surgeon. The cause can be from a nutritional deficiency, genetic malformation or premature closure of the growth plates. There could be options of a brace or surgery to correct the leg. I do not recommend doing anything at home with out the supervision of a Veterinarian as things could worsen. Be sure that Trigger is on a commercial puppy food for large breed dogs. I hope this helps and I wish you and Trigger the best!