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unexplained limping=sudden dog aggression?

Posted : 7/6/2009 7:56:19 AM

Hi all!

I have a 2 1/2 yr. old spayed pit who has had, since January, unexplainable limping. She favors her right front left hind legs usually. We have done x-rays, blood tests, etc., and nothing has been resolved. My vet is scratching his head trying to figure out what is going on. Now, suddenly, she has decided that she's not always real fond of her canine brother. We originally thought it was related to food and moved her dish completely out of the area and now feed her privately, but twice in the last few days she has just gotten in his face barking and growling. She doesn't touch him, just a lot of noise. We are wondering if it's possible that the health issues and this sudden aggression (?) could be related, and also if ANYONE has seen anything like this with the limping, etc. She is really a sweet little girl and normally loves Cody. She will bath his face and they will play for hours, but these couple of times she just seemed really out of sorts.

JackieG

Posted : 7/6/2009 9:28:44 AM

Hard to say if the sudden aggression is related to her limp. More details on what was going on when she has gotten in his face might help figure out what's happening. As far as the limp, I would be seeing an ortho specialist for something that has gone that long undiagnosed. Good luck and sorry to not have more advice but just not enough info for me to speculate.

clr4425

Posted : 7/6/2009 9:54:54 AM

The last episode, she was just laying there licking his face, which she does all of the time. I know she can be protective of her food, which is normal, but there was no food, toys or anything around this time. I'm not sure if she is trying to establish her place (again) or not. She does seem to be the alpha dog. Cody is an 8 yr. old neutered lab, so his attitude seems to be "whatever, I'll just go with the flow". We did correct her by getting in her face and telling her no, and she seemed to realize that is not acceptable behavior.

As far as the limping, they have done x-rays, have checked muscle tone, etc. The problem being that it isn't always apparent, and sometimes it will show up in a different leg, thus the blood tests for lyme disease. The vet has said that her joints and spine are fine-no skeletal damage at all. They have considered an MRI, but don't feel that it will show anything more definitive.

CoBuHe

Posted : 7/6/2009 1:42:05 PM

The limping could be a result of a tendon issue which won't show up on xray (I understand). This takes many weeks to heal and that's with rest...no running, no jumping, etc. Has the vet said anything along those lines.

She's 2.5 years old...she could be in that place of maturing and showing the other dog whos who.

Heidi gets snarky sometimes...most of the time she is loving up with Bruder or playing and playing hard. Sometimes her play seems aggressive, but its not. I've had to correct her or redirect her when she gets overstimulated. Frankly she listens to me more so right at the instant when I can see she is just about to get snarky. Then she moves on.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 7/6/2009 5:35:23 PM

Have you had her thyroid checked? Sudden behavior changes can be related to thyroid issues.

clr4425

Posted : 7/29/2009 7:46:40 AM

Just an update-we have had Gracie's thyroid checked and everything is normal there. Also had another lyme test just to be sure and that was also negative. I'm beginning to think that the "snarkiness" (I really like that word!) was a combination of fireworks, thunderstorms and re-establishing her place. We have had a couple of minor issues, but not like before. I was away for several days and she was fine. Maybe it has something to do with me?!

Thanks for all of the suggestions-I appreciate the ideas!