Overextended pasterns, Magnesium & Calcium

[Jens Gunther]

Hi, I have a bit of a technical question and hope someone can help me.

The relationship between a high protein, high calorie diet and the development of overextended pasterns in growing puppies is common knowledge. Similarly, we know that a puppy's adapted posture to cope with slippery floors can contribute to dropped pasterns and cow hocks. That's all fine.

From my readings it is my understanding that a Magnesium deficiency can also (perhaps more than the above) contribute to overextended pasterns. Magnesium is however seldom lacking in the diet. The uptake is inhibited by Calcium in the diet. It is however only mentioned and never expanded on.

I asked my vet about this and he unashamedly admitted that they never learnt anything about small animal nutrition ...merely that you give this bag for this condition and that bag for that. Shame on the dog food industry for this sorry state of affairs!

This is not a problem when you support the dog food industry. However when you feed raw, as I've been doing for quite some time, and want to understand the processes involved a bit better, it becomes an interesting question.

Is there anyone who can elaborate on this?