Limping Dog
Question:
I thought that I saw my dog (Lucy is an 8 year old Labrador) limping a few weeks ago but it was too subtle to tell if it was really a limp, and anyway it stopped a day later. But now she seems to be having a harder time getting up and she starts to limp after long walks. Do you think that this could be arthritis?
Answer:
I think that you should definately take Lucy to the veterinarian. While what you are describing does seem like it could be due to orthopedic changes associated with aging, the best thing to do is to take her to the vet to not only confirm this but also to help prevent or slow down any further debilatation and/or pain for Lucy. Even if it turns out to be nothing, it is always a good idea to take our pets (especially older ones over 6 years old) to the vet for a general health screaning.
Between now and your appointment with the vet I would let Lucy rest by holding off on long walks. Also, the more information that you can provide the vet with, the better. Some questions that you should come prepared to answer are:
Is their a specific leg that she limps on or does it change?
Has Lucy's attitude changed at all?
Have you seen Lucy hold any of her legs up, not wanting to use it at all?
Has their been any recent inciting event that may have brought on the limping? I know that you mentioned extensive physical activity seems to bring on the change but has she been in any fights, or may have fallen etc.that could have brought on this change?
Your veterinarian will probably want to see Lucy walk on her own before examining her. After the exam at a distance, he/she will probably perform the physical exam and will palpate each limb to check for symmetry, swelling, edema and also to check for a pain response. Depending on what the vet finds, he/she may decide to take radiographs and pull blood for a chemistry panel. A chemistry panel allows the vet to screen all of the major organ systems as well as to check for any infections (Chem panels are usually recommended for all pets over 6 years).
If it does turn out to be arthritis, the veterinarian will give you a list of treatment options such as starting Lucy on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as Rimadyl.
Please let me know how your vet visit turns out! I hope that Lucy gets better soon!
I thought that I saw my dog (Lucy is an 8 year old Labrador) limping a few weeks ago but it was too subtle to tell if it was really a limp, and anyway it stopped a day later. But now she seems to be having a harder time getting up and she starts to limp after long walks. Do you think that this could be arthritis?
Answer:
I think that you should definately take Lucy to the veterinarian. While what you are describing does seem like it could be due to orthopedic changes associated with aging, the best thing to do is to take her to the vet to not only confirm this but also to help prevent or slow down any further debilatation and/or pain for Lucy. Even if it turns out to be nothing, it is always a good idea to take our pets (especially older ones over 6 years old) to the vet for a general health screaning.
Between now and your appointment with the vet I would let Lucy rest by holding off on long walks. Also, the more information that you can provide the vet with, the better. Some questions that you should come prepared to answer are:
Is their a specific leg that she limps on or does it change?
Has Lucy's attitude changed at all?
Have you seen Lucy hold any of her legs up, not wanting to use it at all?
Has their been any recent inciting event that may have brought on the limping? I know that you mentioned extensive physical activity seems to bring on the change but has she been in any fights, or may have fallen etc.that could have brought on this change?
Your veterinarian will probably want to see Lucy walk on her own before examining her. After the exam at a distance, he/she will probably perform the physical exam and will palpate each limb to check for symmetry, swelling, edema and also to check for a pain response. Depending on what the vet finds, he/she may decide to take radiographs and pull blood for a chemistry panel. A chemistry panel allows the vet to screen all of the major organ systems as well as to check for any infections (Chem panels are usually recommended for all pets over 6 years).
If it does turn out to be arthritis, the veterinarian will give you a list of treatment options such as starting Lucy on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as Rimadyl.
Please let me know how your vet visit turns out! I hope that Lucy gets better soon!
