The two diagrams show the direction of the energy [thrust] that comes from the rear feet and its impact on the three functional joints,Talus [ankle] Stifle [knee] Hip when a dog has firm stable vertical hocks - right - and unstable infirm cow hocks - left. The trauma that is generated on those joints is variable of course and is open to debate especially in regard to the hips.
If you want to get the sensation of what its like for a dog when it is overangulated and consequently the hocks are unstable try this.
The ankle is designed to accommodate lateral movement - undulating ground - but the knee is far more restrictive in that regard. Next time you are out walking when your foot is extended rearward swing it from right to left to replicate the dogs hocks doing so. Because we are upright you obviously wont feel anything in your hips and you will find that the ankle is not stressed but you will be 'very aware' of your knee.
If you want to get the sensation of what its like for a dog when it is overangulated and consequently the hocks are unstable try this.
The ankle is designed to accommodate lateral movement - undulating ground - but the knee is far more restrictive in that regard. Next time you are out walking when your foot is extended rearward swing it from right to left to replicate the dogs hocks doing so. Because we are upright you obviously wont feel anything in your hips and you will find that the ankle is not stressed but you will be 'very aware' of your knee.
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