What this means
A healthy dog pushes off with its hind legs in turn as it runs. Bunny-hopping looks different: both hind legs move together, the dog springs forward and the back arches. It is most often noticed when running, climbing stairs or going uphill, and sometimes when walking or swimming.
A dog may move like this when it is uncomfortable or sore to use the hind legs separately, or when the muscles or joints are not working quite as they should. It is often noticed at a young age and is sometimes linked to inherited or developmental problems, but a vet assesses that, not the owner. Do not try to guess a breed or a cause.
Write down when you first noticed the running style, whether it is always like that or only at times, and whether your dog also avoids climbing or jumping, lies about for long periods or tires quickly. Most useful is a video of your dog from behind as it runs and as it walks calmly, since that is easiest for a vet to judge. Do not make your dog run more than it wants to.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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A hip joint problem
When the hip joints have not developed properly, the hind legs are used together. A reluctance to climb or jump often goes with it.
About the condition: Hip dysplasia -
A muscle disease
Some inherited muscle diseases weaken the hind legs. The dog then runs in hops and tires quickly.
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A back or nerve problem
Back pain or a nerve problem can change how the hind legs move. The dog may become clumsy or weaken.
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Pain in the knee or other joints
A dog with a sore hind leg leans on it less. It looks as though both legs push at once.
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A quirk of play or speed
Sometimes a short bout of hopping appears in play or a fast run and means nothing. If it keeps happening, show it to your vet.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Whether your dog hops all the time or only at certain moments
- When you first noticed it, and whether it has been so since puppyhood
- Whether it avoids stairs, jumping or climbing onto the sofa
- Whether it tires quickly or lies about for long after a walk
- Whether the hind legs look weaker or thinner
- Whether it limps or holds one leg out to the side
When to book a routine visit
If your dog hops like a rabbit when it runs, book an examination and show a video of it running, filmed from behind.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Centronuclear myopathy Nerves and muscles Centronuclear myopathy is an inherited muscle disease in which the muscle fibres do not develop properly, leaving the puppy short of strength and stamina. It becomes apparent in the first months of life and affects muscles throughout the body. A genetic test exists, so breeders can check whether their breeding dogs carry it.
- Hip dysplasia Bones and joints Hip dysplasia is a developmental problem of the hip joint in which the head of the thigh bone does not sit snugly in the hip socket, so the loose joint wears unevenly over time. This can lead to pain and arthritis that limit how freely and comfortably a dog moves. Genetics play a part, but growth, body weight and exercise during puppyhood also have an influence.
Body systems: Nerves and muscles Bones and joints