Weird front joints? HELP

[Tuffy]

So I purchased Tuffy from a breeder in NY. Please understand that this is my first time purchasing a dog online or purchasing one that I have not personally seen yet but in pictures only. The person deliver him to me last monday the 02/02/09, he stated on the phone that the dog does not have any issues. So he arrived and I saw Tuffy in the back seat, we signed papers and he left so I took Tuffy in. The next day I figuere to take him for a walk and notice something wrong with his front paws. I contacted the breeder and he said he will grow out of it just as long as I walk him more often. Tuffy did come with a 14 day health guarantee, so yesterday I took him to the vet for a check up and he did say that he seems to have soft joints, but he might grow out of it since he's only 5 months old. I really like Tuffy and he's been a perfect apartment dog but I rather have a dog that I can enjoy through out his life instead of having a dog that I constantly have to worry about. Is this even consider a health issue for the breeder to do me a refund? The vet did say give him a month and see how he grows.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y183/elpapi336/DSC02596.jpg

[Chefren]

You can give him something that contains chodroitin and glucozamine, to strenghten his joints.;)

[gmacleod]

He does look to be down on his pasterns... That isn't so unusual in a puppy, and often self-corrects as he becomes stronger.

Two things that can cause joint problems are insufficient calcium (rikkets) or excess calcium in the diet. Both are equally harmful, so I don't suggest that you start supplementing his diet (unless under veterinary supervision, after a definite deficiency was diagnosed). I would, however, suggest that you take a look at what he is being fed and make sure that he is getting a good quality and balanced diet as that should correct any deficiency/excess if such a problem exists.

[Pink Lady]

This would suggest poor breeding or puppy rearing to me and as such I would be concerned about further problems in the future. Unless these unscrupulous breeders/importers are taken to task unhealthy dogs will continue to be sold. I really wouldn't recommend ever buying a puppy where you cannot visit where the pup was born and has been living and meet at least one of it's parents and have information about the other parent. Any good breeder will encourage request home visits and will question you as if you are adopting a baby!

[Tuffy]

He does look to be down on his pasterns... That isn't so unusual in a puppy, and often self-corrects as he becomes stronger.

Two things that can cause joint problems are insufficient calcium (rikkets) or excess calcium in the diet. Both are equally harmful, so I don't suggest that you start supplementing his diet (unless under veterinary supervision, after a definite deficiency was diagnosed). I would, however, suggest that you take a look at what he is being fed and make sure that he is getting a good quality and balanced diet as that should correct any deficiency/excess if such a problem exists.

I give him Eukanuba small breed puppy!!! Now he is looking more energetic when I take him out and willing to walk way more than the first week I got him.

[gmacleod]

Well, Eukanuba is a fairly low quality food - so it could be worth considering something a bit better for him. If you're interested in considering alternatives, you might find this site quite useful (ingredient info, along with ratings and reviews of +1200 different dry dog foods): www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews

Actually though, skeletal problems due to diet don't normally occur in a 10-day time frame (about the time you'd had him when you posted), so IF that was a causal factor, it would more likely have been from before you got him. It really was the supplement thing I was getting at (i.e. if he had been getting supplements, that it was probably not a good idea, especially if they contained calcium).

[Tuffy]

I just want to infor everyone that Tuffy is doing great with his joints. They are standing up more straight now. Not 100% but is good and he is 100% healthy and energetic. Thanks everyone for their concern.

[gmacleod]

Good to hear things are looking better :)

[Tuffy]

Good to hear things are looking better :)
Yes thanks for the information.
Now I just want him fatter. He's only 17LB at 7mo while other puppies around his age are like already 23LB