What's wrong with my dog?

Question

I know, go see a vet, but wondered if anyone had experience or insight...
My lab-mix is an altered rescued female we've had for about 6 years. Her guestimated age is 8 or 9.
About three weeks ago she started limping on one leg and had buggery eyes. There was no obvious cause for the limp (no objects in her paw, no obvious area of sensitivity when touched/pressured). About a week later, her eyes cleared up, but her other front leg started hurting. Now, three weeks into it, all four legs are stiff, she thinks long and hard before getting up, has difficulty going down stairs, lays down all day, and no longer gets in the garbage!

Is this just arthritis? I got some doggy aspirin for her, but can't really tell if it works because she just lays down all the time. She is certainly not herself, and it seemed to happen in a short amount of time.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

This is actually seen in a lot of labs that were from a rescue center. Most dogs there have had such a hard life that their bodies have endured too much. Therefore I believe with the information that you have given that the dog has arthritis. Of course, yeah I have to say it, go to the vets. The best thing to do for your pet would be not to give him the aspirin (aspirin is not good for dogs). A lot of pet stores sell medicine and other gimmick items that will be boughten by loving pet parents. It is so hard to know what is good and what isn't. Basically, the best way to tell if it is a gimmick is to ask your vet. You don't have to have an appointment, just call up and ask he/her opinion, most vets will suggest something that is okay for your pet.

For now, I would suggest stretching your dogs legs, slowly and softly. massaging also. Bending and stretching will help loosen the pain for the pet so she can wait until your next appointment - if you have to wait a few days.

Answer 2

hey hope your dog is okay the eyes could be showing signs of an cataract which basically means that the eye is covered with an bluey whitish film, It is possible to have this removed but judging by the dogs age might not be such a good idea. As for the joints it definitely sounds like arthritis and there is not much you can do apart from help relieve the symptoms as you are already doing . Apart from tablets if your dog does not mind being in water it is also good to place them in a warm bath as this helps relax the muscles. I you are considering taking your dog to the vets then ask for a drug known as meta-cam this is an anti-inflammatory which eases the pain and swelling. Good luck hope it all works out well.

Answer 3

Sorry to hear about your dog. But, if you can't afford the vet and no one is giving you any advise over the phone, you can check online and see if there are any low cost vets in your area. I had a small female once that had a litter of puppies and she did this same thing with the legs. I paniced and took her into the vets. Found that she has a low iron and calcium. Not too sure about the spelling in this but, you can get vitamins at any pet store and feed store..

Answer 4

Sorry but surly you want to know what is wrong with you dog from a professional ie a vet we here could all surmise as to what is wrong with your dog and give you advice but supposing its all wrong and it makes matters worse how would you feel then. By the sounds of it your dog i s suffering and needs the vet asap you may find out that its something simple and can be treated easily surly thats better than guessing. This breed of dog loves life and laying around all day is not the way that they choose to live it visit the vet good luck xxx

Answer 5

My mom's dog has arthritis really bad and he does that....he goes through phases where he will be fine then one day he just lays around and wont get up. He limps alot too. If the dog starts losing bowel function though it might be time to kind of call it quits and put the poor dog down as much as that sounds horrible......suffering is never good.

Answer 6

Yes, I do not have any experience with it, but I do believe it is just arthritis. Of course I am going to reccomend anyway to check with a vet and make sure it is just arthritis.

If it is, I have found a site with some simple things to do to help ur dog with arthritis.

On the site, it mentions to stretch out each of your dogs joints slowly to its max point for 2-3 minutes daily. This should help loosen the stiffness up some.

Answer 7

Go to a vet, it's sounds as if the animal is in intense pain. If I were to field this call (I've worked as a veterinary assistant/receptionist) your description of her physical pain and especially, her eye troubles, would make it an emergency case. She'd be fit in right away.

No one can diagnose you over a message board, and quite frankly, many of the responses you get may be misleading and detrimental. My suggestion - put down the computer and get out the phone book. Or better . . . your vet should be on speed dial.

Answer 8

RUN TO THE VET DON'T WALK TO THE VET WITH YOUR DOG!!!!!!!!!! Don't try any guess whats wrong sounds like its in serious pain stop the aspirin now it is not the answer it can cause more problems like stomach bleeding or even worse,Then go to your local book store and buy THE DOG OWNERS HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK BY DELBERT G CARLSON D.V.M. and JAMES M GRIFFIN M.D. This book has helped so much with my dogs when they have a problem.

Answer 9

Growing up we had a dog and he almost did the same thing. Eventually he couldn't use his back legs and had no control over his bladder. He ended up having pinched nerves and blood in his urine. Also alot of internal problems. I would definitely get your dog to the vet to be able to eliminate the worst. Good luck!

Answer 10

YES, I think you are right about seeing a vet. This could be an underlying infection in her joints. Have you checked her Temp? It should be rectal and about 101-102 degrees F. Their is a good chance is is a hereditary problem. Labs have LOTS of bone and joint problems. It could also be old age... Please get her to the vet to check it out. Also, Good Luck!