I have a very active, clever Westie. I also have a vet who is more expensive than most. I never grudge getting him the best of care but he has me a bit baffled this week. I was out Mon afternoon and when I came in he was limping and hopping about holding his left paw up. I have carefully examined in, nothing stuck in it and have pressed all the way down from his thigh and he doesn't give the slightest hint of pain or yelps. Even when out he is holding the paw up but going very fast on 3 legs. However, suddenly if he sees something he is off almost faster than the speed of sound on all fours. Also when he jumps up on me seems to have no problem leaning his paws on me. I don't imagine it is athritic as it has came on so suddenly. Anyone got an idea about this? Now Thurs and he is still behaving in this manner, we have loads of ground for him to roam about in and as I've been typing this he is off again on the chase showing no problem with paw.
2007-02-15 03:44:26 · 17 answers · asked by Ms Mat Urity 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We have a Westie she has never done that one but I am making sure she doesn't read your question. They are clever
2007-02-15 03:51:16 · answer #1 · answered by Professor 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
westies often do this. they also pull a shoulder muscle easily. if we have a really long run myrtle s left back leg comes up and she limps home and is as right as rain the day after. BUT for goodness sake why isnt she insured! worth every penny and then the vets bills arent so scary. i have a £60 excess so never worry about going OR find a blue cross nearby which is very nearly free
2007-02-15 06:29:05 · answer #2 · answered by franklydarling 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be the sympathy thing, or it could be something like a sprain. My Westie had a spained knee and she would hold her paw up on and off, it just depended on how bad it was hurting her. It ended up the sprain was just a sign of a more serious problem with her tibia bone. Good Luck and give that Westie and hug from me!
2007-02-15 04:29:41 · answer #3 · answered by irishprincess777 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take your dog to the vet. Dogs are smart - mine often will do cute things just for a treat. But if he is holding up his paw as if it hurts it probably does. If your vet is too expensive find another one. I use one that doesn't require an appt. that works best for me. If nothing else you can call the vet's office and ask the same question - they will be able to tell you something with more insight.
2007-02-15 04:01:56 · answer #4 · answered by Just Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sporadic lameness is more likely to be due to pain than it is a behavioural abnormality. Muscle pain in particular is usually very obvious when an animal begins to move but can subside after the dog has moved around a little which may be why he can show sudden activity.
Limping for attention is unlikely and not a natural behaviour for a dog, but can be conditioned if , for example, you were to devote attention to him every time he limps.
Ultimately, consult your vet. Although he may be expensive, but he will be a lot better suited to answer this question.
2007-02-15 05:22:53 · answer #5 · answered by Justice Monkey 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would give it a day or two to see if the limp goes away. Sometimes there's a slight sprain, which heals in a day or two. If he's running on it without any problems, that tells me it's just a little sore. If he was in a great deal of pain, he wouldn't run. You can give him a baby aspirin for the pain and see if that helps the limp. If he's still limping on Saturday, take him into the vet.
2007-02-15 03:52:37 · answer #6 · answered by BUCK_ID 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a miniature pincher mix that did the same thing. Sometimes she would do it and then 5 seconds later she would be using four legs. Sounds like sympathy, but keep an eye on it and see if this is happening with any regularity or pattern, if it starts to look like anything unusual, get her checked out at the vet.
2007-02-15 03:51:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Knowing Westies, it's entirely possible he's looking for attention - they're pretty smart dogs and they definitely do things like that. I'd keep an eye on it, though. Maybe he just has a splinter in his toe or something?
Westies rock.
2007-02-15 03:52:20 · answer #8 · answered by Bush Invented the Google 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
some times it is for attention mine dose the same but if it last more than a few days take him to the vet because it could be summat u cant see hope this helps
2007-02-15 03:48:26 · answer #9 · answered by itchy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He loves the attention =) My dog did this too and it took her 2 weeks for her to stop doing it,.. just ignore him and he'll stop doing it knowing that hes not getting the attention he wants =) Best of luck to you and your pooch!! But do keep in mind that if he does start yelping to take him to the vet. He more than likely landed on his foot wrong, give him time he will heal!
2007-02-15 03:50:45 · answer #10 · answered by csmutz2001 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋