HElp?

[glinley 0]

Recently my dog has started to limp after a hard session of hunting. If I run her to hard she will no longer walk on it. It does not cause her any pain and she moves about and about after an hour she is fine again.

Any ideas before I take to vet?

Thanks

[Guest patterdale]

maybe cramp or sore pads

[skycat 6,173]

Could be one of the following:

 

a)old muscle damage which has not been diagnosed, muscle has then healed badly leaving scar tissue which doesn't work properly like a normal muscle should, therefore hurtin like hell when dog does a bit. Muscle stiffens up after lying down and takes a while to loosen up again.

 

arthritic condition in joints: has the same effect as the above cause. Usually caused by knocks, bangs etc, or simply over use.

 

You say it doesn't cause her any pain, but if she won't walk on it then it's obviously causing pain! Deep chronic pain won't necessarily give you an 'ouch' reaction when you manipulate the leg. Dogs often live and work with a fair degree of chronic pain, just like us!

 

I'd suggest you get the dog to a Greyhound vet: they are the ONLY vets who will be able to give you a correct and accurate diagnosis and treatmant plan, unless you can find a pet vet who also has a real interest in working and running dogs.

 

Good luck.

[glinley 0]

Could be one of the following:

 

a)old muscle damage which has not been diagnosed, muscle has then healed badly leaving scar tissue which doesn't work properly like a normal muscle should, therefore hurtin like hell when dog does a bit. Muscle stiffens up after lying down and takes a while to loosen up again.

 

arthritic condition in joints: has the same effect as the above cause. Usually caused by knocks, bangs etc, or simply over use.

 

You say it doesn't cause her any pain, but if she won't walk on it then it's obviously causing pain! Deep chronic pain won't necessarily give you an 'ouch' reaction when you manipulate the leg. Dogs often live and work with a fair degree of chronic pain, just like us!

 

I'd suggest you get the dog to a Greyhound vet: they are the ONLY vets who will be able to give you a correct and accurate diagnosis and treatmant plan, unless you can find a pet vet who also has a real interest in working and running dogs.

 

Good luck.

 

You just about summed it up mate. I have already taken her to a greyhound vet but will do it again. He just cracked her hips, didnt seem to do alot but i will try it again. If anything it sounds like arthritic condition in joints but the dog is only just 2. Is that unusual? Any ideas on how to treat it?

[sandymere 8,263]

"You just about summed it up mate. I have already taken her to a greyhound vet but will do it again. He just cracked her hips, didnt seem to do alot but i will try it again. If anything it sounds like arthritic condition in joints but the dog is only just 2. Is that unusual? Any ideas on how to treat it?" (Glinly)

 

Sorry if teacthing a granny to suck eggs.

 

Arthritis in a young dog is usually due to a previous injury. Ask the vet what they found if anything.

 

Without handling a dog it would be very hard to diagnos anything. But you can do that so-

 

Stand the dog on a flat area when it's well and starting at the hips for back leg and shoulders for front work your way down feeling the muscles carefully on both sides looking for any variation or sore areas. Next gently mobilise all the joints in the natural movements looking for pain or reduced flexation, including the toes. ( may need to biuld up to this over a few days with a nervy dog as they may pull away etc). Lastly look carefully, moving the tail out of the way, and compare the balence of all the muscles paying close attention to inside of thigh and out side of shoulder. Lastly feel along the back and neck for any sore areas etc though back injuries need specialist advice.

 

Do above again when the dog is lame and treat what you find as appropriate.

 

If you get in the habit of checking your dogs weekly you'll be suprised how quickly you learn to pick up minor strains etc and so can avoid them becoming a problem.

[undisputed 1,664]

Sounds like it's picked up a sprain that hasn't healed properly...Even when the dog seems fine still needs time to recuperate properly otherwise as others have said this can become arthritic and the dog will eventually become lame after a hard run. Try resting the dog for a few weeks, metacalm is a good anti inflamatory and pain killer.