Suspected strain or sprain

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Moobli

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If your dog has a suspected strain (or sprain) would your first port of call be the vet or the canine physio? One of my German shepherds has been limping for a few days and I suspect he banged or strained something when leaping into the truck. I have had him on rest (or as much rest as is possible for a very high energy dog) and am now faced with the dilemma of vet or physio. I am tempted to try the physio first and then vet if the former cannot find the problem.
 
It would be vet for me, namely as I don't know of any k9 physios, plus unless they've been vet recommended I wouldn't use one.

I'd also want an opinion on whether anti inflamatories are advised.
 
My experience is that canine physio are much more thorough over soft tissue injuries, but will seek my vet's advice first and get the go ahead. (I have already administered anti-inflams).
 
Vet, the physio won't act without vets approval anyway. Most strains and sprains will go with a weeks course NSAIDs, if it doesn't it's best to Xray to find the underlying cause before proceeding with physio.
 
rara007 said:
Vet, the physio won't act without vets approval anyway. Most strains and sprains will go with a weeks course NSAIDs, if it doesn't it's best to Xray to find the underlying cause before proceeding with physio.
Click to expand...

I think we were typing at the same time. You are correct, the physio I use needs my vet approval so will make an appointment at the vet.
 
Vet because physio can't treat without vets ok so any physios who treat first are breaking the law.
In addition I tend to find anti inflammatories sort things much quicker if given sooner rather than later, both for myself and the dog!
 
I work often with a canine physio for my dogs. I work for a vet.

My first call would be the vet to get it checked, anti-inflammatories first and then see the physio if I think there is going to be a rehab required. My physio wouldn't touch with out vet consent anyway.
 
My younger GSD has knocked/sprained something on more than one occasion. I have found the most important thing is to make sure rest is proper rest, i.e. on lead exercise and only for the necessary wees etc. It drove her and me mad but ensured she recovered quickly.
 
Vet...simply as limping means pain.
Dogs will walk on 4 legs unless theres a reason not to.Pain is the most common reason.Mechanical lameness is very rare in canines.
Antiinflams work best when given from the time of initial pain and inflammation.
Rest helps...pain and reducing inflammation while resting works even better to resolve simple issues.
Xrays if not improving quickly to rule out anything skeltal.... Unless unable to weighbear or there are serious concerns most dogs get antiinflams and rest(lead walks and box rest :p )before any further invasive treatments.

Lastly front or hind leg?
Relevant simply as sudden lameness in the hindleg always makes the cruciate liagaments a possible concern..and thats not something you want to wait on as it can affect eventual outcome.

A decent physio wont work without a vet referral.
 
He is not actually limping. Shortly after banging his leg he holds it up momentarily and then seems to stand it on the tip toes for a short time afterwards. He then seems normal again. He banged it a while ago and then was sound, and has banged it again twice in the last couple of weeks and so I haven't had him jumping in the truck at all for over a week but still see the tiptoe every so often and he doesn't look to be putting his whole weight on it when standing, but uses it normally when walking. It is his rear left leg (and cruciate ligament issues are at the forefront of my mind, having had a dog with a CCL tear in the past).

He is booked into the vet for 8.45am tomorrow for manipulation and examination and we will take it from there.

I would be interested to know why cruciate problems seem to be on the increase, if anyone has any ideas.
 
Yes! We saw the vet this morning and she watched him move and then manipulated his back leg. She thinks he has probably bashed it when jumping in to my truck and could have tweaked the cruciate, but it feels intact and not torn at all, so she advised four weeks of being sensible about his exercise (no running, jumping, chasing a ball - anything high impact) and metacam if he looks sore. Then if after four weeks he is no better, take him back for sedation and further investigation.
 
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