If you’ve noticed your Dachshund’s back legs starting to curve inward or their gait looking a little off, you might be looking at a condition called pes varus.
In this post, we’ll reveal what pes varus in Dachshunds is, why this breed is so prone to it, what signs to look for, treatment options, and how something as simple as their coat might play a surprising role in how the condition progresses.
What Is Pes Varus?
Let’s start with the basics. Pes varus is a leg deformity where the hock (ankle joint) turns inward, making the dog look bow-legged. It usually affects the hind legs and can cause pain, mobility issues, and arthritis if left untreated.
You may also hear this condition called:
- Bowed legs in dogs
- Angular limb deformity
- Dachshund leg deformity
In most cases, pes varus is a developmental orthopedic issue. It typically begins when a dog is still growing, as the bones form and harden. But what makes Dachshunds especially prone to it?
Why Is Pes Varus So Common in Dachshunds?
This breed’s unique body shape is both its trademark and its Achilles’ heel. Dachshunds are chondrodystrophic, meaning they have a form of dwarfism that results in short, curved legs and long bodies. It’s cute, no doubt—but it comes with some orthopedic baggage.
Here’s why pes varus in Dachshunds happens more than in other breeds:
1. Bone Growth Imbalance
In pes varus, the growth plates on the inside of the tibia (shinbone) close too early. This causes the outside part to keep growing, which twists the leg inward. Because Dachshunds are bred to have short, curved limbs, their bone growth can easily go off track.
2. Genetic Predisposition
This condition has a strong hereditary component in Dachshunds. Breeders selecting for exaggerated features (extra short legs, longer backs) unintentionally increase the risk of limb deformities. If one or both parents have bowed legs, their pups are more likely to develop pes varus too.
3. Miniature and Longhaired Variants Are at Higher Risk
Interestingly, longhaired and miniature Dachshunds seem to be more affected. Miniatures are especially delicate during growth phases, making any skeletal deviation more impactful. Therefore, you have to be very careful when buying a miniature or a rabbit Dachshund. Their bones and spine structure are very gentle, and their owners need to be especially careful when exposing them to differenct exercise.
Signs and Symptoms of Pes Varus in Dachshunds
Early detection matters. The earlier you spot pes varus, the better your chances of managing or correcting it.
Watch for these symptoms:
- Inward bowing of one or both hind legs
- A “waddling” or awkward gait
- Trouble walking on slippery floors
- Limping or favoring one leg
- Decreased activity or reluctance to walk
- Swelling or joint pain in the hock
- Muscle loss in the back legs
Sometimes the condition is subtle at first. A pup may seem clumsy or just “funny-looking,” but if you notice any changes in their movement, don’t ignore it.
How Is Pes Varus in Dachshunds Diagnosed?
Your vet will start with a physical exam, checking the alignment of the legs, gait, and joints. But the gold standard is X-rays or CT scans. These images show how twisted the bone is, how far the hock has deviated, and whether arthritis is forming.
Your regular vet might refer you to a veterinary orthopedic specialist—especially if surgery is on the table.
Treatment Options for Pes Varus
Not every case of pes varus needs surgery. Treatment depends on the severity, age of the dog, and whether the deformity is causing pain or limiting movement.
Here are your main options:
1. Monitoring (Mild Cases)
If your Dachshund has a mild, non-progressive case, your vet may recommend just keeping an eye on it. You’ll need regular checkups and X-rays to make sure it’s not getting worse.
This approach might be fine for older dogs who aren’t in pain and aren’t super active.
2. Pain Management
For dogs who can’t have surgery or have only mild discomfort, pain control is key. This includes:
- Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s)
- Physical therapy
- Controlled exercise (no stairs or jumping)
These won’t fix the bone alignment, but they can help your dog live more comfortably.
3. Surgical Correction
Severe cases of pes varus often require orthopedic surgery to realign the tibia and correct the angular deformity. The procedure may involve:
- Cutting and straightening the bone (osteotomy)
- Inserting metal plates or screws
- External fixators (in some cases)
Recovery can take weeks to months, and your dog may need rehab therapy. But the results are often life-changing, giving your pup a normal gait and better quality of life.
Does Pes Varus Happen in Other Dog Breeds?
Yes, but not as often. While Dachshunds are the poster pups for pes varus, other breeds can develop it too—especially those with chondrodystrophy or short limbs. This includes:
- Basset Hounds
- Corgis (Pembroke and Cardigan)
- Pekingese
- Shih Tzus
- Lhasa Apsos
- Scottish Terriers
Large breeds like Great Danes or Mastiffs can develop other types of angular limb deformities, but they’re more likely to deal with pes valgus, where the leg bends outward instead.
The Surprising Role of the Dachshund’s Coat
Here’s something most people don’t expect: the coat type of your Dachshund can affect how pes varus shows up—or how soon you notice it.
1. Longhaired Dachshunds: Hidden Signs
Their fluffy coats can mask the appearance of leg deformities, especially early on. The feathering around the legs and ankles hides inward bowing, so symptoms may go unnoticed until the dog starts limping or showing pain.
That’s why pes varus in longhaired Dachshunds is often diagnosed later, sometimes after irreversible damage has started.
2. Coat Affects Mobility
A heavy coat can also impact movement. Longhaired Dachshunds may appear clumsier, especially if they already have a mild leg issue. Combine a shifting gait with long leg fur, and you’ve got a recipe for more tripping and twisting—which can worsen pes varus over time.
3. Grooming Matters
Regular grooming helps spot early signs of pes varus. Brushing out the legs and feet lets you see the alignment better. It also keeps mats and tangles from restricting movement. You can check a great assortment of Dachshund brushes here.
Prevention and Breeder Responsibility
While you can’t always prevent pes varus, you can reduce the risk.
1. Choose Responsible Breeders
Ethical breeders should screen their breeding dogs for limb deformities and avoid mating dogs with visible pes varus or poor leg structure. Always ask about orthopedic health before buying a puppy. The breeder should show you all the health checks he has done before you bring your new family member home.
2. Watch Your Pup’s Growth
Rapid weight gain and overexertion in young dogs can stress growing bones. Keep your Dachshund slim and avoid excessive jumping or stair climbing, especially during the first year. To prevent your dog from jumping from the bed, we recommend you check the Anti-Slip Dachshund Stairs. They are made from high-density foam support and can be especially beneficial for puppies and seniors.
If your furry friend starts gaining weight, you should change his diet. Your Doxie probably eats too many carbohydrates. Before you change your dog’s diet, ask your vet for recommendations of dog food brands that contain a higher percentage of protein.
3. Maintain Healthy Weight
Overweight dogs put extra pressure on their joints, speeding up the damage caused by pes varus. Keep your Doxie lean—it’s one of the best things you can do for their legs and spine. Doxies approximately need 4 shorter walks during a day. During summer months, make sure you don’t take your furry friend outside during the hottest part of the day. Instead, choose evening and morning for walks.
Pes Varus in Dachshunds: Wrapping Up
Pes varus in Dachshunds is more than just a cosmetic issue—it can affect your pup’s ability to walk, play, and enjoy life. Because of the breed’s bone structure and genetics, they’re especially vulnerable to this condition. However, with early diagnosis and the right treatment, many dogs do just fine.
Whether your Doxie needs surgery or just some lifestyle adjustments, the key is to catch it early and work closely with your vet.