The Limp Is Back
I started a discussion a while ago during the limping epidemic that seems to be going on about Finnigan limping ("Another one Bites the Dust"). His limp would come and go and for the last week at least he's been limp free. When I came home at lunch today to take him potty, he hobbled out of his crate and didn't want to walk. His limp is pretty bad and for no apparent reason. We don't have a yard so anytime he is outside we're with him and he hasn't done anything crazy. Besides that, he wasn't limping in the morning so what could have happened to him in his crate? Anyway, I am stumped and worried so tomorrow after work we're taking him to the vet. I was hoping to avoid this because not only is it expensive but how do you know that the diagnosis is correct? I hope it's nothing serious and I really hope he doesn't need surgery but most of all I want him to feel better. It's so sad seeing him limp around and despite his obvious pain, he still wants to play. He'll try to move at a jogging pace but ends up hopping to avoid putting weight on that back right leg. I'll let you all know what the vet says tomorrow. Wish him luck!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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Here's another article that recommends the surgery BEFORE arthritic changes set in:
http://www.workingdogs.com/vchipdysplasia.htm
Alice, I can't recall, but did he have x-rays under anesthesia when he was neutered? My understanding is they need to be under for proper diagnosis.
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Permalink Reply by Alice on
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Yes, he was under anesthesia when the x-rays were done. That's why we asked to have them done since he would be out for the surgery anyway.
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Permalink Reply by Judi, Dawn, Soffie & Griffyn on
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They put Soffie under to do the drawer test, and at the same time xray'd her hips for good measure. Fortunately for her, her hips are in very good condition.
I'm wondering about checking into some different joint supplements?
Beth: any websites you can recommend on that???
Alice I know you had asked that question earlier, so maybe it's something to research more.
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Alice....this is Dawn. When Soffie got hurt I joined two different dog discussions on yahoo, and I found them to be wonderful groups full of good advice, vast experiences, and compassion. You can post and read other posts---lots of support here. This ortho dog group deals with hip problems, hip replacements, and arthritis and a whole host of other conditons. Here is the website for the ortho dog group: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/orthodogs Here is the other group which is a Conservative Management group, but does deal some with hip problems in dogs: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ConservativeManagement
These groups helped me so much....so much support and info among these people.
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Alice, I'm sorry but on this computer I can only reply to the original topic and not to other replies for some reason, so this is in response to your question about sleeping in the crate:
Again, my knowledge comes from people not dogs, but as far as sleeping I think it would help him to be able to move around more at night. So, if he's well-behaved out of the crate, I would definitely try leaving him loose. Even if you could confine him to one room or a pen instead of the crate, it might help. That way if he's uncomfortable at night he can get up and move around a bit.
Your concerns about cost of a specialist are very valid. You might want to call around and at least get an idea of the cost? That way you can have a target to save for. It's probably not an emergency, so maybe if you know it is likely to cost xx amount, you can make an appointment a few months out. You can also be frank with them about the money issue; some will work out a payment plan for you.
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That's kind of what I thought about the sleeping situation. He's never spent the night out of the crate but I was thinking if we got a baby gate to block him in our room and made sure nothing was down that he could chew, he should be ok. He doesn't chew things anyway. I think we'll try it this weekend and see how he behaves. Thanks Beth. :)
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Baby gate is a great solution and inexpensive. I've seen them in places like Walmart for around $25.
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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
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Speaking as an arthritis sufferer and someone with a bad back I find that an activity can cause a flareup and make it more likely that any little thing will bring the pain and stiffness back. Then I will go for long periods of time without problems. I have observed basically the same pattern with Sparty . It is possible that Finn is going through that right now and if you can get him through this episode he will be fine. These types of problems can be chronic but manageable for most of us. Regular activity once he is healed will be key. That is why we limit Sparty's stops and starts but keep up our long walks. I sure hope Finnigan is alright.
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That makes sense. So should he be kept from running now? The limp was coming and going before so even if he stops limping I won't know if he's past this episode or if it will come back in few days. How long should we restrict him for? He occasionally thinks he's fine. He came out of the crate this morning limping but after a potty break and breakfast he was racing around the apartment even though I kept telling him to stop.
Have you used Deramaxx with Sparty?
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Alice, I think you may find answers to those questions at one of the websites Dawn linked. I'm thinking that Bev makes a good point. But perhaps your vet can advise you too. With Soffie's injury, the less active we could keep her the better. But the best course for Finn might be something entirely different.
Soffie's vet and the orthopedic surgeon have both been very helpful and ready to answer any and all questions and concerns we have had about her rehab. I hope you have as good care from Finn's vet.
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