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Reasons for limping

Discussion in 'General Health' started by eneda, Apr 11, 2012.

  1. eneda

    eneda Forums Regular

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    May 27, 2010
    evanston, IL
    Pebbles who is 3 and 1/2 years old was limping today and it seems like her front right leg hurts. I checked her paws and legs and there does not seem to be any injury and she does not seem to be in pain when I touch her paws. We have gone for daily walks but have not done any running in the past 3 days. I read through the threads mentioning limping and all had great advise. She is resting now and we only went downstairs so she could do her business. Her yearly check up is next wednesday. My question is how common is limping in teenage shelties and should i start getting worried? Should I schedule an appointment with the vet earlier instead of waiting until next wednesday if things dont get better by friday? I love her cute little paws following me everywhere and it totally sucks to see her limping especially because she is probably in pain.
     
  2. mmcginty

    mmcginty Forums Enthusiast

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    My Shelties play so roughly sometimes that it amazes me neither gets hurt. I could easily imagine how a strain or a bruise could result from their hard play... A front leg can't be hip dysplasia, right? So I'd keep an eye on it for a few days -- if it gets any worse, I'd be more likely to have it checked out sooner, rather than later, but otherwise, I'd cautiously observe.

    Hopefully it'll be gone by morning and we can all rest easy! :yes:
     
  3. LumShadow

    LumShadow Forums Regular

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    Salida, Colorado
    Sometimes Shadow (age 18 months) gets a little limp from dashing over rocks or playing hard. It's never been more than a bruise or a sprain. Sometimes I wonder if his foot and/or leg fall asleep too!

    Because Pebbles doesn't show signs of pain when touched, I agree with mmcginty: keep an eye on it. Sometimes these things are self-righting, and fortunately you have a checkup coming soon if it doesn't resolve itself. Good luck and fast healing to Pebbles. Let us know what unfolds, will you?
     
  4. corbinam

    corbinam Moderator

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    I would probably put Pebbles on a few days of crate rest--only allowed to go out to potty. It's no fun, but you can see if after two days of this if she is still limping. If so, I would probably take her to the vet. It's true that it is unlikely to be anything serious, but it always makes me feel better to know.
     
  5. Ann

    Ann Moderator

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    If the limp doesn't improve with rest for a few days I would ask your vet to test her for Lyme disease. A limp is one of the many symptoms of Lyme. My boy who gets recurring Lyme always limps on the same leg as the first symptom. I've heard that deer ticks are rampant already this year and probably even in your area.
     
  6. Meldor

    Meldor Forums Enthusiast

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    Hopefully with some rest it will go away. It's a good thing her checkup is next week. You will be able to mention it to your vet and see if he has any concerns upon checking her out.
     
  7. eneda

    eneda Forums Regular

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    May 27, 2010
    evanston, IL
    Thank you for all the replies! She was still limping last night and she has started looking miserable, but Im not sure if that is because I dont let her follow me around anymore. No crate rest but I always tell her to stay when I leave the room and she waits for me in bed. I hope it goes away soon!!
     
  8. eneda

    eneda Forums Regular

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    May 27, 2010
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    Pebbles was doing well yesterday no limping at all so I did something realllyyyy stupid, I took her running at the beach. Of course she loved it but the second we came home and I washed her feet she started limping again. I want to kick myself for being such an idiot and not waiting longer. Cant wait till our vet appointment on wednesday.
     
  9. SheltieChe

    SheltieChe Forums Sage

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    Our experience with limping- regular vet just does not know enough to deal with such issues. Possible xray/ I would prefer no sedation but not many vets will do it/ and test for Lyme even if it not always shows positive results. Recurrent limp is not a great sign and yes, we do have ticks and Lyme here.
    Hopefully it is nothing. I have terrific massage specialist and chiro vet that I use for my boys. If you will be looking, I could PM you info.
     
  10. danisgoat

    danisgoat Moderator

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    Sorry to hear this!

    Please make sure that your vet does a Lyme test when you bring her in on Wed.
     

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