My Friends Dog
Looks like a problem with that left front leg. Could be the onset of arthris or an aggraveted muscle or tendon in the leg. Try to see if it is the pad, hock, or shoulder. Feel for tenderness and observe the dog's reaction to pain or pressure. That lab also looks a big heavy and coudl stand to lose several pounds.
Does the limping or favoring of the leg happen only on the hard floor or also outside in grass?
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Hey, I am posting this for my friend's dog that I've known for 4 years and hiked with on many occasions. I love this dog, and I am trying to help. Please let me know what you guys think. thanks.
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as far as whats medicallly wrong I have no idea as what came to mind you mentioned she didnt have. looks like pain in the back and that right front leg. Something to mention is that xrays will only show bone damage such as fractures out of alignment etc. They will not show whats wrong with the soft tissues, tendons, nerves, etc. In order to see that the dog would need an MRI. a perfect example is my shoulder, xrays showed it was fine, and MRI revealed I needed surgery. my occupation is a nurse, had I not known what do because of being a nurse, the doctors would have kept pushing me away telling me to ice it and take some aspirin (took about 1 yr of bitching about my shoulder to get the insurance to approve the mri!).
anyways back on track here. My suspicion is that if an MRI is done it would reveal the issue I would suggest getting an MRI of the back and the right front leg joints. of note, the dogs excitement while outside may allow her to block out the pain, once back at rest the pain sets in.
my dog has had 2 surgeries on her rear legs, an acl surgery and an FHO surgery. If I allow her to overwork herself, which she WILL do because of her excitement, she will limp around for 2 days or so. I can no longer take her hiking because of this, she is now limited to short walks on leash, or about 20 minutes of off leash time in the yard.
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Imo, I would drop some weight off that dog. Any extra weight will aggravate issues like this. I saw that x-rays were done, the hips were checked correct? The most noticeable area that was lame is the left rear hip. Does the dog have problems defecating? Could be a pinched nerve or ruptured disk. Hansen Type 2 is a problem found in large breeds such as lab's that can cause issues. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=3223&S=1
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Looks like a problem with that left front leg. Could be the onset of arthris or an aggraveted muscle or tendon in the leg. Try to see if it is the pad, hock, or shoulder. Feel for tenderness and observe the dog's reaction to pain or pressure. That lab also looks a big heavy and coudl stand to lose several pounds.
Does the limping or favoring of the leg happen only on the hard floor or also outside in grass?
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Thank you guys! The limping happens on any surface I believe, and it occurs after a long rest. Also, Not sure if the hips were checked, but will ask just to be sure. I'll forward the posts to him and hope he'll get her back up and running soon. She does need to trim down at least 10 pounds.
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Can they put up any longer video's of her limping? Walk her in a straight line if possible. I see her taking a short step in the rear and also swinging that leg out ever so slightly. Yes she stretches out the front legs but I think that was just to warm up getting up and moving. Personally if they have not done x-rays thats what I would be doing is, hips/knees/elbows/shoulders. Bone spurs or OCD could be also coming into play.
I have found that it's typically most noticeable when dogs have ailments when they first get and start moving around or after a busy day. The middle part of the day you will barely notice it because the animal pushes threw the pain.
With the dog carrying extra weight this would be difficult but have they checked for any muscle loss on her? Any leg they are favoring over time will lose muscle tone.
Seriously weight management is Most important with a dog like this and if she was mine I would put her on a diet and 2000 mg of fish oil.
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Can you let us know exactly what was radiographed?
This dog is very lame on the left front leg. She may have other soreness too, but the LF is the most dramatic one in the video. Look at her head bob and remember: 'down on the sound'. Dogs will fling their head up to off-weight the sore front limb, but the head will drop when they use the more comfortable (sound) one.
Has she also had a thorough neurological exam? What about her neck range of motion?
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Ha!~So (I know I've mentioned this before) but I have Really bad internet service, entire video off my computer is super choppy then freezes when they are playing...Figured there couldn't be much after that as it was only a few seconds past that...But...Figured I'm missing something Big....And I was....
and I got this new fancy phone and forgot I can watch Video's off it, Well...Damn there Was a LOT in the last segment...
Agreed with the others ignore my first two post.
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To my knowledge, she was received xrays showing no sign of cancer or arthritis. I asked them to also take her to see another vet for a second opinion, hope that will happen soon. Thanks for the tips and info, definitely good stuff. This dog and his owners are awesome people, so anything that can help is great. I have done 10 hour hikes in the past with this dog, and let me tell you she was covering lots of terrain and never had any issues. At 7 years old, she is too young to slow down or retire from hiking. Thanks again guys.
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Please update up when you hear anything.
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I sure will give you guys an update. Thanks for the support!
