Recent Feedback
my working/trialing collie dog has front leg lameness 'R' .she is fine after rest but gets lame after exercise. On palpation I am unable to elicit pain in pad/wrist or shoulder, she is happy to stretch evenly with both front legs. Should I go to get x-ray?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Border Collie Pet's Gender: Female Pet's Age: 3 Name of Dog: Saffi Already Tried: Occational anti inflamm' tablets (CARPROGESTIC 50mg 1/2 x2 daily). These work short term.
Hello and thank you for asking your question. My name isXXXXX will try to help.
How long has she been lame?
What is the length of time you have tried resting her?
she has been on/off lame for about 1 month. She'll have two three days none work and often that will resolve the problem. When I say rest I mean none work she is still exercised daily minimum walking 4/5 mins morning free range and 20 or so mins evening again not on a lead for any of that time.
It would be a good idea to have a vet examine her to see if the source of the pain can be localized.
I am not so sure about an x-ray.
It sounds more like a tendon, or ligament sprain. This would not show up on an x-ray.
Usually if it is arthritis, or degenerative joint disease, then they improve with exercise and then are stiff, later in the day or the next day, when they first get up. Arthritis would show up on an x-ray.
Still running around does not count as rest : )
If she were my dog, I would try resting her for a week and give the anti-inflammatories every day. You will have to keep her on a leash so she does not run during her rest period. During the rest period, you can still practice your obedience or other low impact activities to keep her mind busy.
After the week, start with 10 minutes of running. If she is lame after that, then she needs to see a vet.
I hope this helps. If you have any additional questions please click "reply."
Has been to vet and again they were unable to elicit pain on palpation of passive movement. Taking this into account would your advise be the same.
Sorry, I did not know she had seen a vet. So if the vet could not elicit pain, then you would not know what part of the leg to x-ray. It does not sound like anything serious.
I think she should have an entire week off with no exercise. I know it seems like a long time but if she has a sprain, she needs time for the inflammation to resolve and the tendon fibers to remodel. I would also do the anti-inflammatory every day to reduce inflammation in the tendon/ligament. Just give it with food to help prevent stomach upset. Then after the weeks rest, swimming would actually be better than running. Then she could keep her muscle tone while keeping force off that leg. As long as you can control her and she does not jump in the water, then come out and run like a crazy girl. Many dogs seem to do that.
Experience: DVM for 14 years. Compassionate, Caring, Experienced.
Thank you. I'll give it a go