dragging left back foot

[shannonmhay]

Pete, our 9 1/2 year old boxer has always had some arthritis in his knee and back. Last night we noticed that he drags his left foot when he is walking. He doesn't seem to be in pain. It was really rainy here yesterday and then turned cold. I know this doesn't make his arthritis feel good anyways. We give him food with glucosomine in it and wanted to start giving him glucosomine tablets or liquid. How much do you give your boxer? Did your vet recommend any other things for your dogs arthritis? Thanks!

 

[Knye2001]

I have no answer to your question about medication, but I've always thought that there was something REALLY wrong with a dog when they drag a foot. Has he been checked out lately? I would think about making a visit to the vet to make sure that it isn't something besides his arthritis acting up!!

 

[VTbxrFan]

I don't think dragging would be associated with arthritis...with arthritis they usually limp because they don't want to put all of their weight on the leg that hurts. I think a dragging foot is more likely to indicate that the dog is losing full control of the leg and is no longer capable of lifting it - more likely a neurological type of problem. I would definitely have the vet check that out before assuming it's just the arthritis advancing.

 

[shannonmhay]

I am going to take him to the vet tomorrow. I will worry myself to death if I don't find out the underlying cause of his problem. Thanks for the advise.

 

[bustermom]

Definitely have a vet check it out. Our 12 year old rescued shepherd had DM (degenerative myelopathy) and the most obvious first symptoms are dragging of the back feet. It's a progressive disease with no cure, but the progression can be slowed with exercise and medication. Not to make you worry without reason, but it's always better to know - hopefully it's nothing serious.

Here's a site with some good info on DM:
http://www.petsurgery.com/degenerativemyelopathy.htm

According to our vet (and subsequent specialists), dragging a foot usually indicates a neurological problem, but there are other causes.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[shannonmhay]

Took Pete to the Dr. and he has a pinched nerve. The vet gave him a shot and some meds to help relieve the discomfort. He said from not using his leg much due to the arthritis in his back also affects the nerves after a while and causes them to start weakening. He seems to feel much better. He still drags his foot and the vet said to just check to make sure he doesn't get a sore or hole rubbed on his foot. We also have to make sure he does not play with our younger boxer so he does not twist his back on his hips wrong and cause more serious problems. Thanks for the support! Its nice to know there are others out there who care for their dogs just as much as we do. Some of our friends don't own pets and don't understand they are a member of your family even though they are animals.

 

[VTbxrFan]

You can probably get some kind of little boot/sock to put on his foot that drags. That might help prevent and cuts or scrapes.

 

[Cindy Creel]

I hope Pete is felling better.

Cindy

 

[Scorpio]

Here's hoping Pete feels better soon.