Hyperextension of the tarsi

[lehughes]

Hi Laurie;

I have been receiving your monthly posts for a couple of years now and this is my first time emailing. I am a DVM CCRP CVA and I have a dog with bilateral hyperextension of the hocks. I need some advice as to what particular exercises I can add to help strengthen the gastocs and hamstrings... This is a young lab with bilateral disease.
Thanks so much
-R

[lehughes]

Hi Ruth,

So, gastrocs is key. (Bearing in mind that sometimes the issue is just conformation - leg length imbalance (fronts are too tall, rears are too short) or angulation issue (straight rear legs…).

My favourite exercises - Sit to stand - facing uphill. Sit to explosive burst (i.e. to retrieve). Destination jumping (up onto a bed / platform / back of vehicle). Backing up. Backing up down hill. Trotting.

And, since the dog is straight legged (as least ‘in my head’ from your description), you might want to put the dog on a cruciate prevention protocol. Strengthening Quads and Glutes! (Some of the exercises below will work… but it’s likely smart for the owners to be very aware of strength and body awareness.)

Best of luck!

Cheers,

Laurie

[David Lane]

Has coxofemoral disease been ruled out? I see a strong correlation b/w hip issues and tarsal hyperextension, (albeit particularly in BMD). I had another bilateral CrCL case that stopped hyperextending the hocks once the stifles were surgerized.