The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Pets & Working Animals => Dogs => Topic started by: Sudanpan on February 02, 2016, 01:45:25 pm
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One of our 6 year old 'sprocollie' (springer/cocker/collie cross) - I made the name up myself and we didn't go out to get a sprocollie, they are just lovable mutts - has developed a weight bearing issue on his right front leg.
When he stands now he has his left foreleg more in the centre-line to take the weight off his right foreleg. When walking and trotting he limps, but is perfectly free at canter/faster. There is no heat/swelling, no joint deformation, no split pads/torn nails, sore toes, no pain withdrawal with anything I can think of to provoke it. He doesn't yelp, wince or anything. Took him to the vet and they had a look at his front paw, clipped out some matted hair between the toes and basically said there didn't seem to be anything wrong and to just keep an eye on things.
We've given him rest and restricted walks, but this doesn't seem to make any difference. When he moves he will always try and canter, even very slowly, as it seems he is avoiding walking and trotting gaits.
He is fine in himself, eating fine, sleeping well, bright and otherwise happy.
Any thoughts?
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What about the nails on his toes? On the other hand he could have a spot of rheumatism, maybe give him a little olive oil in his food and some turmeric in case. I always give my dogs olive oil in their food and it keeps their joints nicely oiled. I know of a few people who give their dogs, doggy supplements. Has he had any injuries to that leg in the past few years or when he was a puppy?
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If your not happy take the dog back. If they can't find anything I'd ask for a referral or I'd be seeking a 2nd opinion..
The fact that he's lame in the more weight bearing gaits ie walk and trot is not surprising, but prob needs an xray or ultrasound. I certainly wouldn't be happy with being fobbed of by a head scratching vet.
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You could also ask about a referal to a chiropractor or osteopath to have a look at him? I have a collie here who is occasionally not completely sound, Vet couldn't find anything and NSAIDs helped ish but a chiro has sorted her out - we just do the occasional tune up
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I'm sorting out an appointment with an orthopaedic vet so will see what they say.
I am an osteopath but haven't been able to suss out what's going on with him :( I am inclined to try and find an animal osteopath/chiropractor but will give the specialist ortho vet a visit first
Thanks :)