[acritzer]

Arrghh. More issues. Seems like we've had a bunch this week. Halfway through the day yesterday we noticed our 6 1/2 year old with a slight limp. I think she did it running out of the door to bark at the neighboor dog. Looks like it's the front left leg/foot. Woke up today and it's still there.
After feeling around, I cannot get her to whine, or pull away.

How long should I wait before taking her in? I was thinking a few days (3?). I have a hard time imagining what a vet could do for her right now. It's obviously not that bad, she still gets around and doesn't whine at all...but noticing a limp here and there has me worried.

 

[paula bedard]

Hi...sorry that she's limping. I hope it's nothing serious but a limp could be a symptom of Lyme's, among other things. My Sam presented with a limp in his right front leg, also with no apparent pain or swelling... just a limp that would come and go. If she's still limping in a day or two, you might want to get her tested for Lyme, and let the Vet manipulate her leg for anything else that might be going on. Hopefully, it's nothing and she'll be fine.

 

[tippykayak]

I agree with Paula. You can let a light sprain go for a few days, but if it comes and goes, or if it changes legs, run yourself right in for a SNAP test. Most dogs who have serious health problems from TBDs have it for a few months first, because owners and vets don't think "Lyme" when it looks like just a sprain. You can head all that off with a simple test if it stops acting like an ordinary sprain.

 

[acritzer]

Are there other symptoms associated with Lymes?
I'll let it go for a few days and see what happens.

 

[tippykayak]

Are there other symptoms associated with Lymes?
I'll let it go for a few days and see what happens.

Lethargy and loss of appetite are the most common signs of TBDs. If your dog feels "off" or "not quite herself," in addition to the limp, it's worth a closer look. Anaplasmosis, one of the TBDs, causes low platelet numbers, so in the acute phase, you may see pinpoint bleeding on the gums, eyes, or on the inside of the ear.

 

[paula bedard]

When Sam had Lyme, he never showed any signs other than the limp. His appetite and energy level were completely normal. He showed a very strong positive on his Lyme test, which the Vet told me meant that he'd probably been bitten and contracted Lyme at least 6 months prior...which put the time of transmission in the middle of winter and while Sam was on Frontline. So, you can't really tell without the test...and don't think that being on a preventative will mean they cannot get Lyme, they can.

 

[acritzer]

If had to go with my gut, I'd say it's just a sprain, or pulled muscle of some kind. I did discover that she does not like it if I stretch it out and raise her leg, almost like it's tender.
Every other behavior is completely normal.

 

[BeauShel]

Have her rest for a couple of days and if it doesnt get better then I would have a vet look at her leg. Hopefully it is just a little sprain and will be back playing.

 

[tippykayak]

You know what's a good thing to check when you're not sure if an injury is local or a symptom of something worse? The gums. If you check your dog's gums frequently, you'll get a good idea of what the normal healthy pink is. If the dog is very ill or anemic, the gums may turn grayish. That's a strong sign of a serious problem.

 

[hotel4dogs]

my vet has always said to make a mental note of when it's bad and what makes it better. For example, if it's worst in the morning and then gets better after she's been moving around a little bit, chances are it's a sprain or a strain. If it gets worse as the day goes on, you'd be more likely to want to contact your vet sooner.

If had to go with my gut, I'd say it's just a sprain, or pulled muscle of some kind. I did discover that she does not like it if I stretch it out and raise her leg, almost like it's tender.
Every other behavior is completely normal.

 

[acritzer]

my vet has always said to make a mental note of when it's bad and what makes it better. For example, if it's worst in the morning and then gets better after she's been moving around a little bit, chances are it's a sprain or a strain. If it gets worse as the day goes on, you'd be more likely to want to contact your vet sooner.

Also good info. It did seem to be more noticeable this morning...and when we came home and she had been napping. The hard part is going to be keeping her from irritating it by running around with the puppy (Bailey).

Her gums look perfectly healthy and normal as well, so that's good. I appreciate the feedback and I'll try and post back after a few days to let you know how she's been.