Back to the vet again!

Candy

Biscuit Tin Guardian
About a week ago on our way home from our morning walk, Joy started limping. It seemed to be something to do with her right front paw. I checked her pads and couldn't see anything amiss, so I thought she had maybe twisted or pulled something while running. I put her on lead for the remainder of the walk, kept an eye on her and did shorter walks on lead only for the next couple of days. As she then appeared back to normal we resumed our usual walks. Then thismorning I noticed she was limping again but this time at the start of the walk. It's not a very pronounced limp, more like a change in gait, a slight sort of dipping movement. I was just watching her, about to put her back on lead and head for home when she took off after a squirrel and went out of sight down a slope. Then I heard a yelp! I called her and she came straight to me and laid down at my feet with all four paws in the air! I could practically hear her saying 'It's me paw, Mother!' Anyway, cuddles, back on lead and we made our way carefully home (luckily we weren't far away) So back to the vet thisafternoon, where she was an absolute little sweetheart, far more comfortable and confident than she used to be, wanting to say hello to all the staff, who made a great fuss of her. Another couple were in the waiting area with their male Black Lab. He and Joy were very taken with each other, wagging and licking. They asked if she'd been spayed, as they were thinking of breeding with their boy. She has, of course and the vet nurse on reception remarked that it was a shame as she would love a little dainty Lab like Joy. Anyway, the vet thinks, as I did that it's most likely a sprain or strain, so she's got ten Rimadyl tablets and is to have one a day for three days with 10-15 minute on lead walks only, then try the same with no Rimadyl and if she's OK gradually increase the walking until back to normal. He doesn't think she'll need all ten tablets, so that's good news. I told him about her lying down at my feet with her paws in the air and he said 'She obviously feels more comfortable telling you what's wrong than us, which is very sweet and just how it should be.' What a nice thing to say!
 

Naya

Moderator
Location
Bristol, UK
Fingers crossed it is just a sprain. If it happens again I would ask for xrays as the limping was how Harley’s arthritis started. I’m not trying to scare you as I know every dog presents differently and I hope it isn’t, but just being aware can help. I found a Harley loved her paws being massaged when she was going through limping stages.
 

Candy

Biscuit Tin Guardian
Fingers crossed it is just a sprain. If it happens again I would ask for xrays as the limping was how Harley’s arthritis started. I’m not trying to scare you as I know every dog presents differently and I hope it isn’t, but just being aware can help. I found a Harley loved her paws being massaged when she was going through limping stages.
Thanks for your kind advice. The vet did say that he would be wanting Xrays if it didn't clear up or happened repeatedly. I shall try some elbow massage with her, that's where the problem seems to be.
 
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