I am looking for advice: Our 4.5 month old male GSD has worn down the two 'center' toenails on his hind feet. We walk him about 25 minutes 3 times a day on the sidewalks. He also runs and plays in the field once or twice a day. He seems to have a normal gait. He isn't dragging his feet so much as sort of pushing off with his toes when he walks. Is this something to be concerned about? He is just right on weight and size for his age. He is well bred from German imports. I think it's probably just puppy-wobble-walk, but the toenails remind me so much of our boy we lost to DM (at 11.5 years old)I am just wondering if anyone has seen this in a pup before.Thank you for your help!
Hi Bob, No I have not talked to our vet. I only just noticed the toenails yesterday and would like to hear any experience specific to GSD pups. Our vet here is not very familiar with the breed. He is the second GSD we've had, but he is shaped a bit different with a longer hock and huge, long feet. I don't want to get overly concerned about something he will be growing out of in a couple of months and was hoping another GSD owner had experienced something similar with a good outcome.
This sounds just like my GSD Zevi (also German-bred) who wears down the center toenails of his hind feet and has done so since he was a puppy. I was initially concerned, but my vet (who knows GSDs) ruled out any kind of neurological or muscular problem after checking him carefully - we both spent time lying on the floor watching his gait. Zevi clenches the ground with his flexing rear toes as he accelerates, which I think is what causes the nail wear. He's almost 24 months now, very athletic, loves agility and rally, no sign of any physical problem.
Something to keep an eye on as the pup grows, but if there are no symptoms of hind end weakness or hip problems I think it is - as you say - due to the build and angulation of the back legs.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you so much for the reply. The 'clenching' as you put it is exactly what our Koa is doing. He is a very sturdy and strong little fellow. I will definately be keeping a close eye on him.
Well, this is a sample of one and - as Connie always says too - I am not a veterinary health professional. However, if the nail wear is from the toes actively grabbing the ground at speed, and not from the hind feet dragging or wobbling, maybe your puppy's gait is similar to my dog's.
A plus - that's two nails on each hind foot I never have to trim!
Tracy Collins Webboard User Reg: 10-09-2008
Posts: 1917
Loc: St. Louis, Missouri
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My GSD Luca (7 years old) wears down the middle toenails on the back feet in the same way. Always has. It's never been a problem for him, and he has no nurological or skeletal issues.
This is really helpful. My instincts tell me there's nothing to worry about, but hearing he's not the the only dog in the universe to have this issue is reassuring. I have not had the best of luck with vets....especially with conditions that are not completely black and white. Always trying to do the best by our dogs, we have followed vets on many a wild, expensive goose chase only to end up right where we started. He has strong hind quarters. I will keep a close watch on his gait and reassess in a few months once he gets past this gangly growth stage. Thank you both very much. I hope I'll be able to help someone else with my own experiences!
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