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F***. Dawgs legs are problematic. again.
Dawg is almost 9...so not OLD...but not a spring chicken either.
She started having luxating patella issues 8 years ago.
She's been limping this week and is struggling EVERY time she stands up or lays down and is walking super stiff.
"call vet" just got moved above "find neurologist for me" on my to-do list.
(it's definitely a problem w/ her back legs but I can't say which one/both?. I can manipulate her legs fine, everything feels like it's in place [not that i"m an expert but...well, I've popped her knees into place a LOT in the lat 8 years]. She doesn't whimper or anything but...well, she never does. She's acting a bit 'short tempered' too. She got a bit growly w/ Buffy this week [abnormal] and just threaened to eat El Gato [not abnormal but, eh, not typical] so I'm thinking she may be in pain)
Re: F***. Dawgs legs are problematic. again.
Take your thumb and index finger and push along both sides of her spine to see if she reacts to that. Usually dogs will either flinch if the pain is serious or you will see their back 'quiver' when you hit a sensitive spot. If that shows no sign, try turning her head all the way left, all the way right (gently, don't be cranking on it) then all the way up and all the way down. If she resists any of these movements or shows signs of pain, you might be dealing with neck/back problems which can represent themselves in other ways - dogs tend to mask pain to not show weaknes. The best thing (at home) for back/neck problems is rest, lots and lots of rest! No stairs, no jumping, no running, no wild playing - just REST! She should be on some sort of glucosamine/chondrotin product to help with her stiff joints. These products won't fix her but they can prevent further worsening of joints. Also, fish oil is a good, natural product that helps to fight inflammation. I would suggest one capsule squeezed onto her food once daily.
I know that you are busy with your own life but she isn't going to get any better just doing these things alone. She should be seen by a vet who can put her on steroids to help with the inflammation - you need to get the correct dosage from a vet for a drug such as pred. since it can have serious side affects on kidneys and liver.
I'm sorry to hear about Dawg's legs.
Poor girl!
I really hope you get some help from the vet (and then you can move on to taking care of yourself!) quickly and the Dawg is feeling better soon! T&Ps.
B/w 1/8: betas 17,345, progesterone 25.6
she seemed improved this morning.
I so don't get it.
She doesnt' flinch at ANYTHING. But she never does--she's a non-flinching dog.
The Mr. is keeping an eye on her today and I'll call Tomorrow if she's not better.
Has she had surgery on either of them? One of our pups has them in both of her back legs, and we just had one surgically corrected. Do you know what grade they are?
I'm going to be gone most of the day, but feel free to PM me.
The Mr. said he couldn't stop her running around all morning--which, knowing Dawg, sin't a shock. He did say she seemed improved today,but, who knows.
I don't know what grade--it was always pretty mild (it was years ago when we got the diagnosis and the vet checks them at least once a year--they haven't noticeably gotten worse) .
We haven't had surgery (yet) because the vet agreed w/ us that, KNowing Dawg, it would be pretty hellish to put her through it (esp. being somewhat immobile after for a while) when it was pretty treatable w/ just some patience at the time--but we know that we may have to do it eventually.