My neighbour is worried about her dog, she took her for her usual walk and noticed the dog was very slightly limping on her back leg. She is 5 years old (thats the dog) she will take her to the vet if it goes on, my question is what could it be as she has not been out running or loose to hurt herself she is ok in every other way.Can you help?
2007-02-26 06:54:46 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
She could have easily stepped on something pointy while on the walk, like a thorn or sliver of glas or wire. If it was small enough or got between the pads, it might not be easily noticeable. SHe could have tripped in a hole or something and slightly twisted her leg pulling a muscle. I would say definitely see a vet. Chances are it's nothing more than a pulled muscle or a small cut that got infected on the foot. But, it it not impossible that it could be something like hip dysplasia or arthritis (if the dog is a large breed, 5 could very well be becoming arthritic). So dont' wait, because the sooner the vet sees it the faster the dog can be well again.
2007-02-26 07:06:45 · answer #1 · answered by lildi_32 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this has just happened I would ice and then use warm compresses. Switching back and forth for a few minutes at a time. If the dog is not yelping and otherwise acting fine, it could be a pulled muscle or debris on the foot. Check out the pads. If the dog is showing signs of severe pain or distress then of course go to the vet. Also, if it lasts for more than 24 hours see the vet. Some dogs will limp because the jumped down from the couch or down the steps. It isn't unusual for a large breed dog to show signs of arthritis at this age.
2007-02-26 07:09:48 · answer #2 · answered by st.lady (1 of GitEm's gang) 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, have her check the dog's foot to make sure there is nothing(stones, fur mats, burs, twigs, etc) there. If not, it could be anything from just a sore foot to a tumor in the bone. If it goes on for over a day, have the owner set up an appointment with the local vet. If it gets worse or she becomes unable to use that leg, take her to the vet as soon as possible.
2007-02-26 07:31:27 · answer #3 · answered by Jello 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would say that your dog trod on something glass or maybe picked up a grass seed in her pad i would give it 24 hours and if still limping take her to a vet we are not vets on here but if my dog starts limping i always wait 24 hours unless its something obvious many a time i have rushed my dog o a vet because one of my dogs is limping to be told nothings wrong and the next day hes OK i would wait and tell your neighbour if its nothing obvious wait and see what happens tomorrow
2007-02-26 07:42:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
First, check the pads of the dog's paws for any damage, especially in between where cuts and foreign bodies will not be seen without close inspection.
Could be more serious, like hip problems. Common in many breeds especially later in life.
A vet really is the best bet if there is no external damage
2007-02-26 09:35:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Could be many things: arthritis, luxating patella, hip dysplasia, spinal problem, injured paw pad. Only a vet can say for sure.
2007-02-26 07:02:57 · answer #6 · answered by melissa k 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Could be a small stone or piece of broken glass in between the pads of her paw
They try to lick it if it's irritating them - ask if she does that... (the dog that is !!!)
2007-02-26 07:01:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nobody here can diagnose a dog. A vet cant even diagnose a dog without examining it.
2007-02-26 06:59:24 · answer #8 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Could be loads of things-ask a vet.
2007-02-26 12:43:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
maybe arthritic leg. She is not too young for that.
2007-02-26 06:59:17 · answer #10 · answered by puggylover 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋