Limping
Moderator: chowadmin
Limping
Hi all,
Can anyone help? We have a 7 month old Chow Chow called Rex... recently he has developed a limp in his left front leg after he has been laying down. After a few minutes of walking the limp goes away. Could this be a simple sprain? or is a visit to the vet required? many thanks in advance.
Jason
Can anyone help? We have a 7 month old Chow Chow called Rex... recently he has developed a limp in his left front leg after he has been laying down. After a few minutes of walking the limp goes away. Could this be a simple sprain? or is a visit to the vet required? many thanks in advance.
Jason
-
Rory's Dad
- Rank 3
- Posts: 1708
- Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2011 6:48 am
- Location: Mansfield, MA USA
Re: Limping
Keep an eye on it. Pretty common at that age to injure the ligaments or the knee if he jumped off of something, particularly if the floor he landed on has no traction. I would also avoid stairs that lack grip. With young chows it can occur easily as the bone cartilage hasn't fully formed to protect the joint. With that straight rear hock, they are prone to minor problems.
Check the area to make sure he is not sensitive to touch or to manipulating the leg. Give it a small stretch and a slight turn. If he objects or yelps, then see the vet. Check his paws if you don't recall an incident and make sure the nails are properly trimmed and his paw fur isn't overgrown. The pads are very sensitive and that could result in his not wanting to plant the foot. Depending on where you are, rock salt can also aggrevate the feet at this time of year.
Consider a cosequin supplement to help the joints. This helps regardless of an injury or just promoting growth. If still uncomfortable you can try a mild pain reliever. After that, have the pup checked at the vet. Generally, they will start with an x-ray, and if the dog doesn't stay still enough they will either sedate (risky for chows) or recommend MRI.
Check the area to make sure he is not sensitive to touch or to manipulating the leg. Give it a small stretch and a slight turn. If he objects or yelps, then see the vet. Check his paws if you don't recall an incident and make sure the nails are properly trimmed and his paw fur isn't overgrown. The pads are very sensitive and that could result in his not wanting to plant the foot. Depending on where you are, rock salt can also aggrevate the feet at this time of year.
Consider a cosequin supplement to help the joints. This helps regardless of an injury or just promoting growth. If still uncomfortable you can try a mild pain reliever. After that, have the pup checked at the vet. Generally, they will start with an x-ray, and if the dog doesn't stay still enough they will either sedate (risky for chows) or recommend MRI.