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Question

We rescued a 3-4 mo old blue heeler/collie mix a little over a month ago. we were working on housebreaking and for about a week and 1/2-no accidents. this puppy plays pretty hard and about a week ago, he began yelping, crying & not putting weight on his front left paw. i checked it out, couldn't find anything and the puppy was in no discomfort. i used the magnifying glass-couldn't find anything (of course, the immense webbing btw his toes and being black & white doesn't help!). About 3 days ago, the paw issue happened again, still nothing. Then yesterday, he began drinking more water than usual and urinating in the house again (everywhere!). i've palpated him, nothing causes him visible discomfort. his eyes are clear and his coat is shiny. he is still losing and gaining teeth, so maybe this is a factor? we've been going to the vet regularly but i can't get in to see him again until next week and i want to have some ideas for the dr. to start working on. thanks!

Submitted: 71 days and 23 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Pet's Sex: Male
Pet's Age: <1

Already Tried:
nothing yet & his appetite hasn't changed

Accepted Answer

Hi XXXXXXXXXX~

 

It actually sounds like you have two different problems going on...the paw and the urinating. I'll address each of them individually (mostly so I don't get myself confused..lol).

 

Sounds to me like your pup may have stepped or jumped wrong and twisted that paw. Of course, without being able to see the dog in person and take an x-ray, it's pretty much impossible to tell if it's a simple sprain or something more serious. In cases of leg injuries in dogs, especially tenacious breeds and/or hunting breeds, I always recommend seeing your regular vet just to be on the safe side.

 

That being said, until you can get him in to see a vet, I suggest doing your best to keep him quiet. No running around, definately no dog park, just outside on a leash to go potty and then back inside. If he's used to being in a kennel/crate, you can keep him in there in an effort to keep him from jumping up on couches or running up and down stairs.

 

If he seems especially painful, you can give one child's aspirin, but make sure you give it with some food to avoid stomach upset, and do not give more than one every 8-12 hours and do not give it for longer than 3 days.

 

If the leg still seems to get more painful, becomes swollen or if he is unable to bear weight on it, I suggest calling your vet or taking a trip the the nearest emergency vet and having them take a peek at it, just to rule out anything more serious than just a little sprain.

 

As for the urinating and drinking, both of these symptoms can be caused urinary stones, Cystitis, Kidney Disease, Bladder Cancer, or Urinary Bacterial Infections.

Urinary Stones are common and found in the kidneys, bladder and urethra though usually they are in the bladder. The formation of crystals or stones in urinary tract can be caused by the following factors usually working together: mineral crystals in the urine, bacteria, diseases, some medications, excess Vitamin C, imbalance in pH of urine. Typical symptoms are straining to urinate, frequent urination of small amounts and blood in the urine. Some breeds are known to have problems with stones. These are Miniature Schnauzer, Schnauzer, Lhasa Apso, Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Miniature poodle, and Yorkshire terrier.

Cystitis is when your dog's bladder becomes inflamed. It is believed that infections, polyps, tumors and stones contribute to this condition, but the actual cause is unclear. Typical symptoms are straining to urinate, frequent urination, straining to urinate, difficulty urinating and blood in the urine.

Kidney Disease is a common cause of non-accidental death in dogs. It is not clear what causes kidney disease but it is believed that dehydration, blood loss, impaired heart function, tumors, infections and toxins contribute to it. Some medications for kidney disease may cause blood in the urine.

Bladder cancer occurs in middle-aged and older dogs. Bladder cancer is not as common as other causes such as Urinary tract infections, though it is not recognized early for that same reason. Typical symptoms are frequent urination, urinating small amounts, blood in the urine, and infections.

Urinary bacterial infections can occur in bladder (most common), kidneys, urethra, and prostate. They are easily treated once diagnosed. They are the major cause of the prostate disease in male dogs. The prostate becomes inhabited by bacterial and it becomes difficult to eliminate. Some other conditions such as diabetes, cancer and viral diseases affect a dog's immune system and may contribute to this condition.

 

The best thing to do is to get your pup in to see a vet as soon as you can. Some of the possibilities for what is going on can end up being very painful or life threatening if left untreated.

 

My guess is that he has a bladder or urinary tract infection...but having the vet take a peek at him is the best way to go...just in case.

 

I hope this helps.

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Expert: CVT_in_MN
Pos. Feedback: 99.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/12/2009

Certified Veterinary Technician

Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology. State and Nationally certified.

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