I have a lame dog

JennBags

JennBags

HHOSS Wonder Woman
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Hello AAD peeps

I don't venture in here very often but come seeking your knowledge & advice.

My Westie has an intermittent lameness. Every so often she holds her back leg up & hops around, this has been going on for prob about a month. I am sure it's not foot related, and get the impression it's more like her stifle area (although probably not called that in a dog!)

My oh wants to take her to the vet but as its so intermittent I'm not sure they can do anything except rack up huge bills doing investigative work and not sorting it out ( hmmm can you tell I have horses & am very cynical?)

What do you guys think - should we take her to the vet? Or have you got any ideas of how to help her?

As its 9.30 on a Sat evening, it's gin&tonic all round for Amy helpful answers :p
 
most likely luxating patella-take her down to the vets as they need to do a physical exam to a) establish if it is and b) establish what grade it is. Certain grades would benefit from being operated on.
 
Well I am no expert, most particularly when it comes to terriers but aren't they predisposed to cruciate ligament troubles? Isn't that why a lot of JRT's hop around on three legs?

Don't ask me, my name's not Amy - I am only replying for the G&T ;)

Cheers!
 
Interesting, never heard of this before!

It says on google that the affected dog often cries out in pain...she doesn't do this, doesn't even seem particularly uncomfortable (still chases the squirrels, pheasants etc) just holds her leg up sometimes.
 
Ravenwood I beat you to the G &T, it is more common in little dogs but has also been seen in Boxers and Chows. The patella or kneecap slips sideways usually inwards on the stifle(knee) and then it may slip back in again into the correct position.

It is caused either through hereditary or occur after an injury.
 
Ravenwood, here's your g&t with a slice of lime

I was thinking cruciate if I'm honest, that's why I'm reluctant to take her to vets - can they get to the bottom of the problem easily? (long story but had a horse PTS this year that the vets thought had a cruciate tear)
 
When one of mine showed these symptoms my vet was able to manipulate it back in There is no way anyone on this forum can diagnose your dog and as we have all said go to your vet and get a accurate diagnosis.
 
Thanks Dobiegirl. I know no one can diagnose my dog, just wanted opinions on if you thought the vet would be able to ;) if she were lame all the time I wouldn't hesitate but because it's intermittent I thought I'd bounce the problem off you clever lot :)
 
Thats the thing with this condition it pops in amd out, my dog didnt need any further treatment and little dogs are more prone to this.

I will hold fire in the G&Ts for the minute as I have to drive in a little while.:)
 
Have a lime & soda instead, I'll save you a g&t for your return ;)

Hope it is the luxating patella thing, I've had enough of ligaments this year to last me a lifetime.
 
could be either, more likely luxating patella (most terreirs I've seen don't cry out in pain) as its intermittant but impossible for us tot say without a full clinical examination.
 
No one on this forum can diagnose your dog because we are all plastered from too many G&T's - hic :o LOL ;)

Is she due for vacs soon? Maybe it would be a good idea to whizz her down to the vets to give her an MOT and just mention it - see what they say.

Very sorry to hear about your horse :(
 
Well I'm sober cos I was driving last night! In a terrier I would suspect luxating patella first, I've had a couple of Jrts with it but they never cried out in pain, just the characteristic hop. As others have said best thing is to get your vet to check it out.
 
Both mine are lame off and on with a hind leg, holding it up. Vets diagnosed a small rupture in the cruciate ligament, but suggested holding off surgery and starting with a course of Metacam and rest. They are both fine, as long as they dont do too much twisting when running full tilt. Hope yours is better soon. x
 
Thank you all

OH is taking her to the vets tomorrow, she is due her 6 month's MOT, and fingers crossed they will be able to sort her leg out easily.

Sprout, we don't have much luck with the beasts - sorry to hear about your dogs :(
 
Just thought I would update anyone who's interested. OH took her to the vet today and he said he thinks it's just wear & tear and that she's got a strain there. He's given us some anti-inflammatories
 
My dog has the same thing only his comes on after lots of running he holds his leg up and limps for a while. I took him to the vet and they couldn't find anything wrong said he was just growing he's two now and it's still happening i don't know weather i should take him back again but i'm sure they would say the same thing!
 
Dobiegirl it's not the restricted exercise that's a problem as such, it's trying to stop her jumping up at the tv every time there's something interesting on, or racing to the door to eat the post before we can get there, or running up & down the stairs & jumping on & off the bed...:rolleyes:
 
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