Limping

• 06-12-2008 11:35 PM

  christieanne Joined on 04-10-2007 Posts 19 Points 0

  Limping Reply Contact My 2 year old dog, Stella (mini poodle x mini schnauzer), has been lifting her left hind leg while walking for the past 3 weeks or so. In that time she has been to the vet twice, first just to have her leg palpated and given Metacam, and the second time i brought her back because it was lasting longer that I had thought (about 2 weeks on Metacam) and the doc decided to do X-rays. NOTHING showed up. He said it is probably a strained muscle or something to do with the kneecap being dislocated then relocating itself, causing inflammation. I have begun giving her Glucosamine every day and Metacam every other day. Her limping has not improved. Any ideas? We did not witness any injury 'in action' however she does have a little brother who she plays with a LOT, rolling around etc. i just don't know what to do next.   ..... I should also mention she does not hesitate to chase her brother around like a tyrant.... but apparently this is common, even with a bum leg!   "Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful"

  Filed under: limping, muscle, limp, leg, metacam Post Points: 0

• 06-12-2008 11:45 PM

  In reply to christieanne

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 6,164 Points 300	Re: Limping Reply Contact She needs to really take it easy and rest that leg.  No chasing, no running around, just walks--no zooming, nothing.  The orthopedic surgeon told me that stuff like that takes dogs a really long time to get over because they do not rest like they should--they just don't understand.  Don't let her play rough and run around--it's a long time like 12 weeks at least.
  	Post Points: 0

• 06-13-2008 12:51 AM

  In reply to christieanne

  janet_rose Joined on 09-10-2007 DFW area, Texas Posts 3,616 Points 330

  Re: Limping Reply Contact christieanne: He said it is probably a strained muscle or something to do with the kneecap being dislocated then relocating itself, causing inflammation. The knee problem you are talking about is called a luxating patella.  That often requires surgery or the problem keeps repeating and the joint can become very arthritic.  Your vet may want to get the inflammation down before evaluating whether surgery is needed.  See my posts (four with a tag of "luxating patellas") on this thread about luxating patellas: http://community.dog.com/forums/p/65379/513067.aspx#513067

  Post Points: 0

• 06-13-2008 7:16 PM

  In reply to janet_rose

  christieanne Joined on 04-10-2007 Posts 19 Points 0	Re: Limping Reply Contact  that's the frustrating part, nothing showed up on the x-ray to confirm that surgery was needed. does this problem typically show up on an x-ray after the patella has gone back into its groove? maybe we need a second opinion, i just don't want to pay for another set of x-rays "Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful"
  	Post Points: 0

• 06-13-2008 7:27 PM

  In reply to christieanne

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 6,992 Points 1,955

  Re: Limping Reply Contact It depends on how well the x-rays were done -- I'd go for a second opinion -- maybe somewhere like a vet university hospital.  Often they are *much* cheaper than a vet surprisingly -- have your vet refer you and send the x-rays taken.  Or ... if you go somewhere else local have your vet SEND the x-rays.  Sometimes it just takes someone else reading the x-ray already taken ... they may see something another vet doesn't recognize.

  Post Points: 0

• 06-13-2008 10:36 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 6,164 Points 300

  Re: Limping Reply Contact Willow also has luxating patellas.  She's had them since we got her.  She can correct it herself by stretching her back leg out when it happens.  It hasn't worsened in five years.  They grade them and depending on the grade they might need surgery.  But, if your dogs is going in and out on it's own my experience has been they don't operate on those. You would be surprised the info and orthopedic surgeon can give you.  They can palpate and really move the joints around.  Willow was sedated with medication.  And, we found out that what we thought was arthritis in the leg areas was really in the shoulder.  And, worse on the side that she usually didn't favor.  It was definately worth the money for the consult.  We hand carried our own x-rays and he did want to take more views for himself that day.

  Post Points: 0