Roach back?

[beth19]

I have a 9mo 75lbs puppy. He has not been able to stand correctly, his legs seem to be under his hips. I have tried to pull them back a bit, but he is not able to hold that position for long. Before it was not so noticeable as now, he's growing up to be a big boy.

His back is a little curved and I recently felt a small but significant indent on his spine (close or at the Loin). I don't know if it this is related, but he has suffered (or still does) from Pano.

His posture is very similar to that of "roach back". Has anyone heard of this before? What causes it? Is it genetic? Can it be corrected or lessened? ... probably not :(

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[Sharon Marples]

At his age, it could just be a growth stage he is going through. He may be growing in length (which they all do in the 1st year of life) and at this point, his underline may be shorter than his topline which will cause the "roaching" effect.

Hopefully this is all it is. You can wait a few months to see how he continues to develop or you can have your vet do a spine x-ray to see if there is any other problem developing.

Is he showing any pain at all?

Sharon

[beth19]

He doesn't display any type of pain other than an occasional limp every now and then, plus it shifts from leg to leg. I had him checked again a week ago or so, and the vet reassured us that it was Pano.

It wouldn't hurt to get the x-ray of his spine though ... I may just do that to ensure it's not serious and everything is ok.

Thanks for your response! It gave me hope :D

[Judi W]

Normally the roached back is caused by the dog shifting weight from his rear quarters to the front. If you get films done, have the hips xrayed.

[whitney greenway]

My rescue boy has a roach back, he has HD.

I hope that yours has nothing like this.

[Michele Baxter]

You might also want to consider the possibility of worms/parasites. I've known lots of puppies to "roach" when they have worms. I would also consider the possibility of anything kidney related as dogs seem to "roach" when there is something going on kidney/bladder related also.
Obviously, since he's a growing puppy it's more than likely just as was stated earlier--a product of a growing and lengthening of the body---but it never hurts to consider all the possibilities. So, I don't mean to scare you or anything--just trying to be helpful! :)

[babydungeon]

just curious, where did you obtain your dog?

[beth19]

I don't think it's worms or parasites. When we took him to the vet, to check his limp, he was also checked for worms and came out clean. We give him a monthly chewable tablet for worms and most parasites (including heartworm).

All the info provided has been very helpful! Thanks to all of you.

I have decided to get x-rays done on his spine and hips. Hopefully, it's a temporary result of growth.

PS: I got him from a local breeder, in Dominican Republic (Caribbean)