My dogs toes are very spread apart.

[SarahK]

Hello!

I have a 22 month old female German Shepherd, Ellie. Ellie does strengthening training 2-3 times a day, and this is when I noticed how far apart her toes are, so I am unsure of when it started. Her front paws are definitely way worse than her back paws. I mainly notice it when I have her step up on something , but also have noticed it a few times when she is sitting. I will attach photos below.

I should also mention Ellie does have anaplasma phagocytophilum , could this be related? What can I do to help with this?









@beccak


thank you!
Sarah

 

[beccak]

Hi @SarahK
I'm going to throw one more picture in here. This was Ellie’s front paws on 8/18/21.
Becca

 

[HA! Support]

Hi, @Dr. Jeff , @Dr. Christina , @Dr. Sara do you have any thoughts on this?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Thanks for pointing out this important post Aruna!

Yes Sarah, her splayed toes could be related to the Anaplasma.

Not so much physiologically, but definitely energetically.

In that her body's immune system may be utilizing more energy in order to fight the Anaplasma (and the doxycycline if she is getting that).

However as you said, the timing of this would be important to know in order to further pinpoint a cause. It could also be related to other musculoskeletal issues, her estrus cycle or even something she was born with.

Regardless of etiology, the best thing to do is to keep working with Becca on your pup's core strength and overall mobility and energy.

An extra Therapeutic Sniff Walk (or two), nosework, and other fun games will help increase her energy and along with homeopathic care could help her resolve any joint or immune issue.

Perhaps start focusing on using the Happiness Protocol for her:

The Happiness Protocol in Your Pet's Life

At HA! we are committed to much more than helping pets become dis-ease free. We promote restoring and maintaining vitality, balance, energy, & happiness.

www.holisticactions.com

 

[GinnyW]

Might be interesting to see if "strength training" for her feet, with a Bosu Ball or FitBone, etc. might tighten up the arch and ankle. These devices cause the various muscles to contract alternately to maintain balance. I agree the disease angle must be given top priority, but after that...