A few days ago I was walking my dog and we encountered another puppy. Since both our dogs were friendly we let them play for about 5 mins. I think my dog's leg got caught up in the other's lease. When we started walking again he was favoring it slightly which has become a bad limp. It's been 4 days since the injury. He still does all his daily activities. Is it just a sprain/pull/?? that will work it's way out much like when we strain our muscles? Or is a vet trip necessary? Is there anything I can do to help? Wrap it?? Anything?!
2007-03-26 18:15:02 · 9 answers · asked by GT 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If it's been 4 days and the limp is getting worse, I'd take him to the vet as it could be a break or dislocation. If it's been getting better over the last 4 days, it's probably safe to assume it's a sprain or strain, but watch over the next week or so, and if it's not better, take him to the vet. In either case, the vet can prescribe an anti-inflammatory that will help with his pain (we usually prescribe Rimadyl). Don't wrap it yourself if oyu don't know what you're doing - if it's broken you could set it wrong, and if it;s not broken you could still cause problems - we had a client once that wrapped the dog's leg himself, and a mild sprain turned into an amputation. If the leg is broken you'll either have to get it surgically repaired, splinted/cadt, or some breaks can just be left alone with just an anti-inflammatory and they'll heal themselves - typically this is the case if a broken bone can be "splinted" by another bone, such as a broken radius supported by an intact ulna.
Alos just wanted to add - check to make sure there is nothing in the paw or other place along the lag that could cause the pain, such as a burr, sticker, thorn, etc - we had another client come in for a limp, and all we had to do was pull out a burr;)
2007-03-26 18:27:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well the first thing is that you shouldn't let him put more strain onto his leg. I know people are going to think this is a poor answer but my chihuahua had the same problem with being sore the other day we pretty much had to force her to lay down for about a day straight and rest on it after a day and a half she was back to normal. I would call and ask the vet but just like when we strain muscles he needs to just rest for a day or so and I'm sure it will be perfectly fine. I know its best to just go to the vet immediately, but unless you think its broken or if it's swollen i don't think there is anything more that your vet can do besides tell you to let the dog rest maybe put him in a kennel also. Most likely the dog wouldn't prescribe any sort of pain medication because some pain is always good in people and especially animals so that we know our boundaries and we don't over-do it and make the situation worse.
2007-03-26 19:21:06 · answer #2 · answered by revenantxheart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you consider yourself a Good and Responsible Dog owner, take him to the Vet! Would you go to the Doctor if you pulled a muscle and was in chronic pain?
Most Vets will give a Anti-Inflammatory if it's just a strain such as Rimadyl. Remember, your dog is going to be with you for years and hopefully to the end of his life.
When any of my 3 Dogs or 2 Cats gets injured or if they get/got ill, I get them into the Vet. I don't sit and guess, or hope it goes away. I don't want any of my companions suffering because I'm being passive and less than fully committed.......not saying that you aren't. It's just how "I" am with my pets.
I think a Pet,....especially a Cat or Dog, or whatever anyone loves is the most under-rated yet Greatest Investment a person can make in their life. Where else can someone get unconditional love 24/7 and all one has to do is feed, take care of it, provide shelter, and keep it healthy and the rewards out do the little bit of effort we can make?
Funny how if I strain my back or cut myself, my Dogs are right there wanting to help me and show how much they care. I guess this is because this is what I do for them, and no Human or almost none can match the loyalty and gifts of a good Dog, let alone compare to it.
2007-03-26 18:50:08 · answer #3 · answered by The Sylvan Wizard 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
My inlaws dog has the same problem. What they do is they don't play with him (as in throwing a ball). So that his leg can heal. His body is too big for his legs. I would let him take it easy, even though he may want to play, maybe just sit and pet him and give him a good belly rub. If it does not seem to get better after taking it easy you may want to take him to the doc. Also have you checked to make sure that his paw is okay?
2007-03-26 18:21:29 · answer #4 · answered by Me 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you check his feet and make sure there isn't any cuts on his pads or between his toes? How about his armpits? If nothing there I would wait a day or two and see if it gets better if it doesn't I think its vet time.
2007-03-26 18:22:48 · answer #5 · answered by kdlyn74 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just be patient. Don't let him/her run and if he/she walk guide him so that his/her sore willheal faster, or wrap it with a bandage. It's the best idea call a doctor of animal.
2007-03-26 18:25:14 · answer #6 · answered by The Thing 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I would take him to the vet to rule out anything bad and get some true advice. Hope this helps!!
2007-03-26 18:18:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rule of thumb when dealing with sprains, is, if it is improving daily, than it will likely be ok, but if it seems to worsen, then a trip the the vet is recommended.
2007-03-26 18:52:28 · answer #8 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I just figured it out, RICE, rest the limb, put something cold like Ice on it, Elevate it
2007-03-26 18:18:59 · answer #9 · answered by some black dude with no life 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋