Quote Originally Posted by Magic72
On 10/24 I noticed my 8 yr old Lab wasn't walking right. He's had a touch of arthritis in his left hock for some time but it only bothers him when it's really cold. (we live in Fl so it's not cold yet) Within 2 days he was limping on all 4 legs and his front paws were swollen. The vet checked him and gave him meds for inflammation. By the 30th he could barely walk and couldn't stand without help. The vet took x-rays, drew blood and changed his meds but I don't think he knows what the problem is. The new meds (including 1 for pain) took care of the swelling but he is still having trouble getting up and will only do so if I make him. On 11/3 while Jag was lying down I noticed two lumps, ea. about the size of a small lime, near his tail. Both feel like hard boney protrusions. I've been checking every inch of this dog everyday for 2 weeks and these lumps weren't there the day before. The vet thinks the muscle has atrophied (overnight?) and his hip bones are sticking out. My dogs are vac. for rabies every 3 yrs and the injection site is up by his shoulders so I don't think it's a reaction to that. He weighs 86# (very fit) and has never showed any signs of stiffness other than his hock. I'm very troubled because this seemed to come on him overnight unlike arthritis or hip dysplasia which is progressive. Anyone have any ideas? PS lyme diease has come to mind but the vet discounted it. I have been using this vet since Jag was a pup and always had confidence in him but in this case I'm not so sure. Do you think I should come right out and ask him?
The athropy could have been going on since 24-Oct. But the swelling and weakness might be indicative of a metabolic disease such as Cushings or some other internal problem. You should ask for more tests, along with an ultrasound. Try to note any changes in appetite, drinking etc, that you can pass back to the Vet(s).