What’s wrong this time? :(

[Ann]

It sounds like you're doing everything humanly possible to keep Kip healthy, Elei. Based on his activity level, I think if you can find a chiropractor who can adjust him regularly it will make a world of difference. I can't believe what it does for my guys. It's like magic without meds.

When mine get ouchy, I use something called T Relief. They make one for arthritis (green cap) and one for pain (red cap). I use the arthritis one for my seniors and the other one as needed, and some get both..one kind in the morning and the other in the evening. It's totally natural arnica plus herbs. You can give one or two pills a day. Maybe it would help Kip when he has these incidents.

 

[Sandy in CT]

A month? Yikes! Hope Kip is feeling better quickly and you find ways to keep him happy while recouping!

Once healed, maybe consider work with him on an agility ball. We use something similar to a FitPaws Peanut - the odd shape, squishiness helps to build and exercise muscles other things don't. The one on the FitPaws website is textured, ours is smooth, not sure what brand our trainer uses. She build a cradle for it. Might be something to help him; they are used for injury rehabilitation as well.

 

[Elei]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

I do massage him, but I don’t know what angel wing massage is so I’ll look into it.

I found a chiropractor and I’ll contact them on Monday. I want to make sure they’re actually good, and have a lot of canine training.

Once healed, maybe consider work with him on an agility ball. We use something similar to a FitPaws Peanut - the odd shape, squishiness helps to build and exercise muscles other things don't.

I use a lot of fit paws instability equipment under the guidance of his PT. He thinks it’s fun

I could be over cautious about this. I mean, he is really not limping. It’s just a slight unevenness in his gait. But I want to do what’s best for his long term health, and I do trust this vet, so...

 

[Hanne]

Sometimes I feel like a bad dog mom when he gets hurt, but I really think it’s just the way he is and I just have to do my best to keep him strong and fit.

Elei I understand you so well - no "bubble wrap" for Kip

It's so easy to say "keep the dog quiet" we do not need a vet to tell.

If we do not move, then we lose muscle.

You are the best caring mom.

You take care and take into account for Kip
so he does not use his body unnecessarily.

That he must be "happy lively Kip" I can really follow you.

When it is not you, who is forcing him to do things,
then he will naturally stop himself if he is in pain.

But hope a chiropractor can give you clarity

 

[trini]

Elei, has your vet mentioned Panosteitis? This is a bone inflammation seen in some young dogs esp males and usually seen in larger breeds but my Sheltie Simba had this. Panosteitis is also sometimes referred to as "growing pains". It causes stiffness, limping and pain...typically in the front limbs, and bouts can repeat. Usually by the time a dog is around 2+ years old it no longer happens, but my Simba had bouts of Panosteitis until he was over 3 years old. Treatment is rest and pain meds which you are already doing. If Kip's problem occurs again after his extended period of limited activity you might ask your vet about this. There is no known cause, lots of theories. Although treatment would be the same as you are doing now at least it would give you an answer as to "why" Kip goes through this and rule out actual injury.
Trini

 

[Calliesmom]

I think I’m close to losing my mind!

So after Kip had a brief limping episode at the end of March, I’ve noticed he has an occasionally stiff gait on the front. He doesn’t limp at all on the trot or run. So I sent his X-rays and videos to the same orthopedic vet I like, and he said to give Kip 1 month of rest and see if that clears it up. 1 MONTH?!? We will both lose our minds. Poor bored Sheltie

typically it's 6 weeks of rest....
after Cran was diagnosed with partially herniated discs in his back- that was his prescription. crate rest, potty walks on his harness, no stairs and some prescriptions (would have to look up what he was taking). then we started rehab exercises with a local canine rehab person.

 

[Elei]

Elei, has your vet mentioned Panosteitis?

No, but that’s an interesting idea. I’ll mention it next time. He’s only a year and a half, so maybe that’s it.

Something that throws me off is his uneven markings on his front legs. It makes it very hard to tell if his gait is even!

Kip is very bored and depressed but his walking looks totally fine, so that’s good. After the 4 weeks of rest are up, we won’t go straight back to full activity of course. I’ll slowly increase walks, then running and other exercises. This isn’t my first time dealing with this unfortunately

 

[Elei]

Elei I understand you so well - no "bubble wrap" for Kip

It's so easy to say "keep the dog quiet" we do not need a vet to tell.

If we do not move, then we lose muscle.

You are the best caring mom.

You take care and take into account for Kip
so he does not use his body unnecessarily.

That he must be "happy lively Kip" I can really follow you.

When it is not you, who is forcing him to do things,
then he will naturally stop himself if he is in pain.

But hope a chiropractor can give you clarity

Thanks, Hanne