I have a 5 month old rat terrier/papillion puppy. Last night he was playing with another puppy and lept off the couch chasing her. next thing I know, he's squeeling at the top his little lungs and won't touch his hind left leg to the ground. every time he tries to put weight on it, it hurts him. I called the vet, and she said it could either be a sprain or a fracture and that it would take about 4-6 weeks to heal. I don't know if I should take him in or not? And what I could do to help him with the pain? It just breaks my heart to see him hurt! It hasn't even been 24 hours yet, I'm just freaking out a little bit.... any helpful ideas would be much appreciated! Thank you!
2007-11-10 05:45:36 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
12:34pm: Ok, I just wanted to thank all of your helpful answers. I made him an appointment for later this afternoon. Thanks again!
2007-11-10 07:35:19 · update #1
A 5 month old puppy still has shifting and expanding growth plates in the legs and pelvis, and a fracture could be devastating to its overall growth. Of COURSE you should take it in for an exam and x-rays to judge the nature and extent of the injury.
Another possibility is the #1 rear leg injury in dogs - a cruciate ligament rupture. This is the MOST COMMON injury in dogs in the rear legs, at any age. This injury, at your dog's age, could cripple it for life and the only treatment is surgical repair.
Take your puppy to the vet and get an answer. A sprain is no big deal, but it is actually the least likely of these options to be the actual injury.
2007-11-10 05:49:59 · answer #1 · answered by JeN 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A NORMAL vet would not tell you over the phone that it might be a "sprain" or a fracture and just let it heal!!!!!!!!!!!
If a vet REALLY said that, get another vet ASAP!!!
THEN, take the dog to the vet and find out what the problem is. Fractures need repair, a splint, or total cage rest to heal. You don't just let it go.
Time to spend a little money, see the vet, get an x-ray, and get treatment!!
2007-11-10 05:50:18 · answer #2 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definately take it to a vet...another vet than the one who said to let it go for 4-6 weeks it is broken the 6 weeks is too late to fix it and it will be damaged for life.
2007-11-10 05:55:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you dont take him in an it is a fracture it will try to heal on it's own...which could mean that he will not beable to even move that back leg. If it is at the joint, the joint will fuse. Especially because he is so young...it is probably a break at the "growth plate"....papillons are have tiny tiny legs. TAKE HIM IN....he is in pain, obviously. If your child was crying and not walking on his leg...would you be asking us on answers?!
2007-11-10 05:59:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok seem's like your pup needs to rest. try wrapping his leg up in a really soft material, remember don't freak out! if you freak out your pooch will get stressed and it's leg will get worse! try calling the vet again to check in and ask if he or she has advice again try to relax and put all your effort into helping your pet to calm down the sprain won't last forever!
-ashey101xoxoxo
2007-11-10 06:04:07 · answer #5 · answered by Ashton B 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
take him into the vet
2007-11-10 06:46:08 · answer #6 · answered by Indeed. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋