Huey is limping

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Huey is limping

Posted : 9/7/2013 11:33:48 AM

I don't know what is wrong with Houston. He started limping on Wednesday on his front left paw. We have been giving him an 81 mg aspirin per our friend who is a vet tech. She said if it isn't improving to take him to the vet on Monday. His limp kind of comes and goes. He doesn't seem to be in pain though. It seemed to be heavier this morning when I let him out of his crate. When we first got him groomed in May, the gal said that he seemed to favor one of his front paws over the other. I don't remember which one she said.

I guess I am concerned that he has hurt his ACL or something like that. He is 14 months old and an active little fella who loves to run around the house and hop up on the couch and bed.

After losing Abernathy back in March due to pancreatitis and not knowing he was sick (I am still coping with his loss), I don't want to take chances with Huey. Anyone else have experience with a limp?

JackieG

Posted : 9/7/2013 12:36:54 PM

I've had lots of experience with limping dogs. The reason can be hard to determine. If he's limping on a front leg, it's not an ACL tear as that is a knee ligament.

Have you thoroughly inspected his foot, including pads and all nails for any type of injury? That's where I start with limps. Sometimes a very small abrasion between their toes or on the side of a foot pad can cause a limp. A torn or partially torn nail is not always easy to spot and I try and get a bright light shining on the foot so I can spot anything. Thorns are another possibility.

Soft tissue injury to the leg can cause a limp. A bruise or slight muscle tear can cause a limp. There are ligaments and tendons in the elbow and shoulder than can be damaged that can cause a limp. As I said, the reasons for a limp are many.

If I rule out any visible injury to the foot or nails, I usually try complete crate rest for a week if the limp doesn't seem severe. If the dog is still limping after that I consult the vet.

You said he doesn't appear to be in pain but a limp is a sign of pain. Hopefully you'll get an answer from the vet on Monday. Until then, I'd rest him completely.