Limping

[cooper1]

Anyone have advice for a limpy dog?! Cooper has been limping these last few days and it's gotten progressively worse. He hasn't done any crazy running or anything that would have caused this that we know about. My dad has advised that it might be "growing pains". Is this plausible? It's the front left leg and today is the first he is actually holding the paw up a bit. He seems to want to play but definitely seems inhibited by whatever pain he is feeling.
Thx!

[Teresa]

Poor Cooper

Limping can be caused by many different things.

1) physical injury- sprain, strain, fracture or break.

2) structural- elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, "growing pains"(ie panosteitis) etc

3) illness- Lyme disease, ehrlichia etc

For troubleshooting a mild limp ( meaning dog can get around without crying in pain, eating and drinking well)

Give 5- 7 days strict rest ( no playing, running or jumping). You will likely have to crate him. Dogs, especially puppies, can often use poor judgement with injuries like this. They start feeling a little better and then will be too active and get worse again. To give a fair assessment you have to give him a few solid days of rest even if he looks better after 1 or 2 days. If the limping returns after resolving with strict rest, see your vet. Could be a more serious physical injury or require some anti-inflammatories to resolve. It could also be structural.

Tick related diseases can often get better and worse independently of exercise. Often times the lameness can switch from leg to leg. Limping can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as heat and swelling of the affected joint, decreased appetite, lethargy, fever etc.

Panosteitis is often called "growing pains". This affects young dogs and is characterized by pain in any of the long bones of either front or hind legs. ( bone above wrist in front legs and thigh bone of hind leg. ) Dogs will have no joint pain but will often react if pressure is applied to these bones. Lameness usually gets worse for a few days then better until it resolves itself. They can have repeated attacks of Panosteitis. This eventually gets better on it's own. but may need pain meds to help them through it. Limping in this case is unrelated to rest or exercise. It can be diagnosed by veterinarian and confirmed with an x-ray.

If he is off in any way other than limping, make an appointment with your vet. If not try strict rest and see how it goes from there.

Hope this helps and that he feels better soon!!

Best,
Teresa

[cooper1]

Thx Teresa! As always your advice is very much appreciated! I ended up waiting 7 days before taking him to a vet as he was still pretty badly limping. After a Lymes test, physical exam, x-ray and $$$$$!, it was determined that there was no evidence of trauma or any other issue causing the discomfort. I'm now calling Cooper the million dollar dog! 2 days after seeing the vet and giving an anti-inflammatory, there was little sign of a limp. He seems much better now! Thx again for your post and good information!
~Alison

[Teresa]

So glad that Cooper is starting to feel better!!