Boxer Puppy - Juvenile Arthritis?

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Zolotoy

Zolotoy

Boxer Pal
Hi All, (Sorry kinda long, but I need some advice)

We own a 5 months old male boxer named Ruski. He is a bundle of energy and joy and loves running aroung. On Sunday morning when we woke up Ruski wouldn't walk on his back left leg. He jumped around on three legs and would not put any weight at all on his left back. We took him to the vet straight away. When the vet examined him he said that it looked like it could be spinal injury caused by trauma. We were shocked and couldn't believe what we were hearing, as on Saturday Ruski stayed inside with us all day and he was fine when he went to bed.

The vet did some x-rays of his spine and left leg. He phoned us later in the morning and said that the x-rays did not show any bone injuries and pehaps Ruski simply got his foot caught somewhere and pulled a muscle. He suggested that Ruski stay at the vets overnight so that they could keep an eye on him. They gave him some anti-inflamentories and painkillers. We visited him twice on Sunday to give him something to eat. He had a very healthy appetite, however we could see that he was limping and his whole back was twisted to one side.

This morning the vet examined him again and called me to let me know that they wanted further x-rays done as it now seemed both his back legs were effected. The x-rays did not show anything. Ruski also had a bit of a temperature. The vet has suggested that Ruski has juvenile arthritis and that he should be confirned for a couple of weeks. Apperently it is caused by an infection. She sent him home with us with some antibiotics and painkillers and said to come back if his condition worsens or doesn't get better in a couple of weeks.

I have never heard of juvenile arthritis in dogs, and have not had any luck finding anything on the internet. I am very worried about my baby boy as he looks so uncomfortable. Does any one know anything about this disease? I am worried that it could be something else like Panosteitis or HOD. I am thinking of getting a second opinion as I do not trust vets (bad experience in the past).

Please Help!

Anastasia
 
HammerLA

HammerLA

Boxer Buddy
I am so sorry that you are your little baby are going through this. I've never heard of this either but to give yourself peace of mind, go get a second opinion, your baby is growing so maybe it has something to do with that. I hope everything is ok, I'm sure it will be. I just read another thread about spondylosis, is that what the vet has diagnosed? just wondering.
Keep us posted on Ruski's progress and good luck.
Hammer sends kisses ~~~~~ and healing vibes to Ruski.
 
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Zolotoy

Zolotoy

Boxer Pal
Thankyou for your reply.

We went to see the vet again last night. His temperature started going up and we got worried. This time a different vet was at the clinic and she also confirmed that it was juvenile arthritis and that it is not known by any other name. She measured his temperature and said that his temperature was actually lower then it was in the morning. She explained that juvenile arthritis occurs in large breed puppy dogs and can last for months.

On the bright side he is feeling better today. His temperature has dropped back to normal and he is walking alot better (still limping). Actually even with his limp he is happy running around playing with his toys and is not happy when we lock him in his crate. I hate to do that but it is best for him to get plenty of rest for his legs at the moment.

Anyway I will keep you posted.
 
HammerLA

HammerLA

Boxer Buddy
I'm glad to hear that he's feeling better, have you tried giving him massages. There are some websites that show you how to do it and I'm sure Ruski would love it. Hammer loves it and sometimes falls asleep, that way he'll get his rest too. Is the vet waiting for it to go away or is she suggesting anything else?
 
Zolotoy

Zolotoy

Boxer Pal
Thankyou everyone for your concern.

When I spoke with the vet she said that we will have to wait and see. If it goes away then we don't do anything further. However she said that if it persists then other tests may be necessary and if we wanted she could send us to a specialist.

Ruski is feeling much better. He seems to be back to his usuall self and I can't believe that it was him only a couple of days ago not being able to walk. His temperature is completely gone and his energy is back up.

One of the other possibilities that the vet mentioned was an infectin caused inflamation. Since his recovery has been so quick after the antibiotics I am suspecting that it was probably that and not juvenile arthritis. It is very weird that there doesn't seem to be any litrature on juvenile arthritis. The vet sounded as if it was something that occurs occasionaly, but it sounds to me like its very rare.

Thankyou for that site link JulieM. I had a look on it and it seems like it is difficult to diagnose. I don't believe that the vet has completely ruled out other possibilities and no other tests except the x-rays have been done. I will keep you posted on his progress.

Thanks
 
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