Limping

[*Caro]

Arthritis in the elbows often doesn't show up in xrays. This was the case for my male. When something like fragmented coronoid process (FCP) occurs the fragments can be well hidden within the joint so don't show up on xrays. If you can afford it I'd try an orthopedic specialist for a diagnosis. If you don't have a specialist in your area you may be able to send the xrays to a specialist for them to view as sometimes the changes are so subtle it takes a specialist to pick it up.

Although it usually shows up earlier in bigger dogs, in smaller breeds the signs may not appear until they reach adulthood. Over here we are seeing more adult shelties with late developing arthritis in the elbows. Not sure if its a breed issue or just because diagnosis is better. The earlier you can get a diagnosis the better though as you can then focus on limiting further progression through physical therapy, exercise and medication.

[tlacoy]

I will certainly mention this to the vet next week. It seems to me like it's some kind of joint or arthritic thing as it seemed to come back really strong once our cold weather sank in. Thanks!