What this means
The posture is easiest to see when the dog sits: a sound dog sits symmetrically, whereas here one hind leg is stuck out to the side rather than folded under the body. Sometimes the dog sits like this all the time, sometimes only when tired or after a walk. At the front the equivalent is a dog that stands with an elbow held away from its side, the leg looking turned outwards.
Such a posture can mean that a joint is sore or unstable, because the dog instinctively chooses the position that puts the least pressure on the damaged place. Sometimes it is one of the first signs, before any limping begins. Which joint is at fault and why can only be decided by a vet who examines the dog and, if needed, takes X-rays. There is no need to guess at home, and the leg should not be pulled or bent about.
Your vet will find it useful to know when you first noticed the posture, whether it is seen on both sides or only one, whether your dog limps, finds it harder to get up after rest, or avoids jumping and climbing stairs. If you can, film how your dog sits, gets up and walks, because it may behave differently in the clinic.
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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Damage to a knee ligament
When a knee ligament weakens or tears, the knee becomes unstable and painful. The dog may sit with the leg out to the side and limp or touch down only with its toes.
About the condition: Cranial cruciate ligament disease -
A problem in the elbow joint
If the elbow joint formed incorrectly during growth, it wears unevenly. The dog may hold the elbow away from the body, and the front leg looks turned.
About the condition: Elbow dysplasia -
Pain in another joint or bone
Pain in the hip, shoulder or another joint can also change posture. Where the problem lies is found by an examination.
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A strained muscle or tendon
After vigorous play or a slip, a dog may guard a sore place and sit or stand differently from usual.
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An injury
After a fall or a blow a dog may hold a leg in an unusual position. In that case it matters not to delay.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Whether the leg is held out all the time or only when sitting or after rest
- Whether the posture appears on one side or both
- Whether your dog limps or touches the ground only with its toes
- Whether it finds it harder to get up after rest or a walk
- Whether it avoids jumping, climbing stairs or getting into the car
- Whether the knee or elbow looks swollen or feels warm
When to book a routine visit
If your dog often sits with a leg stuck out to the side or holds an elbow away from the body, show it to a vet, as it can point to joint pain. Film the posture and say when you first noticed it.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Cranial cruciate ligament disease Bones and joints The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the ligaments that keep the knee joint stable. In dogs it can gradually weaken and tear partly or completely, sometimes after quite a small movement, leaving the knee unstable and painful and leading to arthritis. Genetics, body weight and exercise all play a part, and sometimes both hind legs are affected.
- Elbow dysplasia Bones and joints Elbow dysplasia is an umbrella term for several developmental problems of the elbow, in which the growing bones do not fit together properly and the joint surfaces wear unevenly. The joint wears out before its time, becoming painful and arthritic. The condition is inherited and develops during growth, so signs can appear while the dog is still young.
Body systems: Bones and joints