9 month old Bulldog puppy very tender and weak rear right leg

    • Puppy

    9 month old Bulldog puppy very tender and weak rear right leg

                               First information about the dog. I rescued (Kind of) a 6 month old bulldog puppy. The previous owners couldnt contend with how energy packed as well as the amount of work would be needed to raise such a puppy. I have had him for roughly 3 months, and he is up to date on all shots and vaccinations. Roughly 4 days ago, I was laying on the couch with him and all was fine. However, later that night my girlfriend noticed him slightly limping, and I had just assumed he strained his leg because he is nearly off the charts energetic, and when he plays, he plays hard, many times running through the house, making several laps before tiring himself out. Since then, he has intermittenly limped on the leg. Sometimes, he walks with only a little limp, and other times, it appears so weak, he really has to strain to stand up while placing most of his weight on his left leg. He injured his right rear leg.

                              Throughout the day it appears the severity of the issue comes and goes, as, even though I try to restrict it as much as possible, he gallops through the house regularly. However, over the last 4 days, he has always, at the least favored the leg. The issue is really worrying me because over the last 4 days, granted most have been rainfilled and less than cheerful, he has had extremely little energy. Most of the time moping around, laying on the couch resting it. Tonight he was on the couch, so I moved him so I could lay on the couch and put him almost right back. He began huffing and nipping at me, how he normally does when he plays. So at first I thought he was just being cantankerous. However, while petting him, and checking, it almost appeared as though the right leg was entirely limp. So i picked him up and moved him to the floor to have a look at him and i got back onto the couch. For a slight bit of time, he just sat there, and it almost looked like he was struggling to stand up on all 4's from the sitting position but sat there because he couldnt.

                                I fully do intend to make a vet appointment as of tomorrow for him, but it is likely my vet will not be able to see me for a few days. Any thoughts/similiar situations/suggestions in the mean time?

    • Puppy

    I also do not know if it is important or not, but about 5 days before these symptions have happened he had begun, for 2-3 minutes at a time, 4-5 times a day, licking his right rear leg pretty aggressively as well.

     

    • Gold Top Dog

    I don't have any idea what could be wrong with his leg but I'm glad you are taking him in ASAP.  Restrict his activity completely, in the meantime.  Put a leash on him and also use a crate or exercise pen.  Don't let him jump on or off furniture either.  It's not easy to restrict a young, active dog but it's necessary sometimes. To me, restricting activity means the dog is never walking, running loose.  Always on lead or in a crate. Good luck and let us know what the Vet has to say.  The licking could be a reaction to pain.

    • Gold Top Dog

    It may be a luxating patella.  It's pretty common in bulldogs.

    I hope that the vet visit gives you an answer.