Sickle-hocked German Shepherd

Question
We bought an American GSD dog from a breeder and have now found that he is extremely sickle-hocked.  He has developed calluses on his hocks from walking on them and we cannot take him for more than 1 mile on cement b/c they will start bleeding.  We have one vet that is extremely worried about his condition and another that says he is just an extreme case.  Wiley is now 6 months old and has picked up a little, but not nearly as much as we'd like.  Is there anything we can do to help him gain strength in those ligaments or any research on what kind of problems this can pose in the future?

Thank You!

Answer
Hi Amy,  Unfortunately I have to welcome you to the American breeding of GSDs.  It is so unfortunate, but you have got yourself a floppy-hocked dog.  It is genetic, and nothing you can do for it.  Go to an AKC show, and you'll see a ton of them.  He will never be able to do work, nor walk for long distances without problems.  This is a clear example of how american breeders have really ruined the GSD.  I would check with that breeder to see what health guarantee you have on that puppy.  You will have to just adapt to his needs, swimming can help to strengthen the legs without putting undo stress on the hocks.  Unfortunately that is about the best advice I can give.  Wish I could be of more help, but there is no way to fix genetics, and that is definitely genetic in origin.

Dawn