Lameness

So at 13 weeks old my puppy went lame on her left front leg, she would be almost 3 leg lame then it would wear off once she had got moving. Trip to the vets and they said muscle strain. However I'm not convinced she became 100% sound, it was ever so slight and you wouldn't notice unless you really watched her closely trotting around. She's now 5 months old and she's very lame again as of yesterday. Again once she gets going from having a sleep it eases off and becomes ever so slight. My question is should I ask for some tests? Maybe X-rays? Thanks

It does sound like muscle or ligament strain. I would try to restrict her movement until you know what's going on just incase.

Gizmo's had similar patterns but we've only ever had problems with back legs, and I had to put him on complete rest for longer than I thought before slowly reintroducing walks. For him, you don't notice when he's running but he limped on waking up or having been sedintary for a bit.

I think I would try extended rest before X-rays, if that doesn't do the trick then it might be that further investigation is needed but I would certainly go for restricted duties beforehand

I personally would run her into the vets. The chances are that it's nothing to worry about but as it's been going on a few weeks I would rather have the vet have another look and then decide whether to investigate further.

LizP wrote:I personally would run her into the vets. The chances are that it's nothing to worry about but as it's been going on a few weeks I would rather have the vet have another look and then decide whether to investigate further.

I think I'm going to today, the vet thought it was her shoulder but I just have a feeling that it's actually her paw. Problem is by the time we get to the vets she's almost sound and there isn't really anything to see

In that case, can you not make a morning appointment so the vet can see better?

Hope it's nothing serious and that it can be treated easily.

Don't know if this applies to you but I would be careful about her weight and not over-exercising in general.

Any news ?

-Ian- wrote:Any news ?

She's sound again, rested her for two days and she's fine, the vet still thinks muscle strain but I'm just not convinced. She's abserloutly bouncing off the walls now though so I'm going to take her to work with me tomorrow where she can have some controlled exersise but most importantly some mental stimulation because she's gone crazy! One thing I am a little worried about though is Lola has double claws on her back feet, so she has 6 toes, the vets want to surgically remove them but I'm not keen on her having a general anaesthetic when there not actually causing a problem yet.

It is a strange one with the lameness, I guess all you can do is monitor and see how it goes.

If Lola's toes aren't causing a problem then I can't see why the vet has suggested surgery unless they think that there could be serious paw issues further down the line

Chaz4455 i would ask for further tests from the vet to stop problems later down the line id perhaps use on lead walks as opposed to off lead it eases any strain . Id book with another vet and get a second opinion certain vets specialise in certain areas good luck.

Mia05 wrote:Chaz4455 i would ask for further tests from the vet to stop problems later down the line id perhaps use on lead walks as opposed to off lead it eases any strain . Id book with another vet and get a second opinion certain vets specialise in certain areas good luck.

She's still lame now and it will be a week tomorrow that she's been very lame (been slightly lame on and off for just over 2 months) I use Vets4pets but there's another vet practice that I'm registered with that I might take her 2. I stopped using those because their all about money but she's insured so they will definitely want to make the most of that. If I had to guess what it is I think it's her toe, maybe been broken or something, it used to look normal but now it's wonky. Will try and add a photo of it

Her nail also crosses over the other, it didn't always look like this

Aww, doesn't look very comfortable.
Hope new vet can shed a bit more light on the problem.

I take it you've felt all around the paw to test for sensitivity? it's possible that prolonged exercise is setting up a chain reaction from the toes being a bit 'off'.

I'd either see another vet & lead with "Hi, i think my pup's foot is giving her trouble" rather that letting the vet 'assume' that it's muscle strain.

tbh no vet should keep saying muscle strain when it isn't clearing up with rest.

I'd be going to the other vet as well.

As them about the extra toes but my gut feeling is leave well alone unless they're causing a problem. You don't want to put a dog through surgery for cosmetic reasons only.

By the way, the practice I go to has a reputation with some as being expensive, all about the money. However, they are in my opinion very good vets and that's more important than being less expensive. Yes, they can sometimes suggest x-rays and things to cover all bases when I think it's too soon to go down that route but if you talk about options first they will always go with what I want. Always talk and understand what a vet is suggesting before agreeing.

Little update on the lameness

Took her to the vets this morning for a second opinion, they agree and think the problem is in her foot, just waiting now for the go ahead from my insurance as they want to do some X-rays. Hopefully that will be next week so now I'm stressing out about her having an anaesthetic (and the insurance saying no) She seems better after having some painkillers this morning. Just out of curiosity who does everyone insure with? Lola's with Argos. Thanks

Anaesthetic is always a risk/worry,  but that goes with humans as well. at her age the risks are minimal, though, and if it helps to pinpoint the problem then it's worth it. She'll probably be a bit mopey/whiney for 24 hours afterwards, but it soon passes.

it seems that this vet is taking the matter more seriously, at least.