Why is he limping?!?!?!?

[k9krazee]

3 months ago (Jack was 5 months old) I noticed him favoring his right front leg and limping a little but it didn't seem that serious and he was perfectly fine the next day. Well, I have been gone for a month in the UK and I got back 3 days ago. My family didn't exercise the dogs as promised and they were all so excited to take a walk when I got home. I took Jack and Micki once around the block and when I got home Jack had a very slight limp. He seemed fine yesterday and all day today until about an hour ago and his limp is more pronounced and he is even holding it up when he stops. I checked his pads and in between his toes for anything and I didn't see anything abnormal. Should I be worried? I don't know what to do, I gave him a couple baby asprins but I feel so bad for him!

[jennifert9]

Oh no, not another limper! :( I just went through a similar situation with Duncan...the intermittent limping with no apparent injury...I was worried too.
Pam mentioned Lyme disease as this is one of the symptoms and she went through it with her Bella...I have a thread under Duncan is Limping and under Update on Duncan's Limp in Dog Health if you want to check there to see what was said...I see you are in Michigan...I don't know if Lyme is common there? It is completely treatable if it is so don't panic like I did! :) There is a test your vet can do and get results during your visit and if it is, he can be treated immediately.
Good luck and keep us updated! :)

[k9krazee]

I will look back in your posts...maybe he was just over exerted after a month of little activity, I will definately talk to the vet about it!

[jennifert9]

Perhaps the vet didn't mention it as it isn't common in your part of the country? My vet in NY never mentioned it either. Not that Duncan had any of these symptoms then but I JUST found out that there is a vaccine too...
An internet search should give you some idea of how common it is where you live, as well as some other good info. Check that link Pam posted... ( I can't do a search or check for you for info as this computer is the pits)

[dragondawg]

It is not unusual for large puppy dogs to get skeletal/ligament problems especially if they experience rapid growth (e.g. panosteitis). Injuries at an early age can also cause reoccurent problems.

If your dog is not a fast growing large type, then you have to ask if the breed (or breeds if mixed) are genetically prone to skeletal problems (e.g. luxating patellae).

Most likely you have a soft tissue injury that was reaggravated by too much exercise. Have the puppy Xrayed just in case. Chances are the Vet will prescribe a NSAID drug to help relieve the inflamation and pain. The treatment should be kept short term if possible to avoid liver problems. Avoid aspirins unless you use an acid blocker first. Aspirin can really cause ulcer problems quite easily in dogs.

[HollywoodNVegas]

One thing I wanted to mention was regarding the baby aspirin. BE CAREFUL! Dogs at a 50 pounds weight should get 1 baby aspirin every 12 hours MAX. That is an absolute. Aspirin can really harm your pet if given in larger doses. You can get doggie aspirin at your vet or even stores like Petco & Petsmart.

[jackie]

Stress can also bring on a limp. Sounds a bit silly, but it is true.

[lv4dogs]

Originally posted by dragondawg
It is not unusual for large puppy dogs to get skeletal/ligament problems especially if they experience rapid growth (e.g. panosteitis). Injuries at an early age can also cause reoccurent problems.

If your dog is not a fast growing large type, then you have to ask if the breed (or breeds if mixed) are genetically prone to skeletal problems (e.g. luxating patellae).

Most likely you have a soft tissue injury that was reaggravated by too much exercise. Have the puppy Xrayed just in case. Chances are the Vet will prescribe a NSAID drug to help relieve the inflamation and pain. The treatment should be kept short term if possible to avoid liver problems. Avoid aspirins unless you use an acid blocker first. Aspirin can really cause ulcer problems quite easily in dogs.

Great advice!
You may want to double check the dose, but you can give vit. c to help with growth spurts. I give Vitamin World brand chewable Vitamin C 500mg because it has sodium ascorbate as the main source of vit. c, which is a lot better than Ascorbic Acid. I give one tablet twice a day with his food. I also give Vitamin E 200 or 400 (whichever you can find) once a day. With the C, if the puppy starts going through a major growing period you can up the dosage to 1500mg a day. Puppies need more C than adults because it helps in regulating growth.
That the proper dose for a medium size dog, I give that dose to my Aussie puppy.

I'd keep a close eye on it, limit his activity and if it continues for more than a couple/few weeks I'd get him right in to the vets for an exam & x-rays.
My Rott, Raustyk had the same symptoms it was from sesmoidal fractures in her front leg. It may have happened from an injury before I got her or as my vet said it is not too uncommon for large breeds and it may have just happened on its own. They will never heal. Even with an expensive surgery done by a specialist there is only a 40% chance that it will help. Knock on wood she really hasn't had many problems with that in years.