Limping and not walking on right paw

[Lennox]

I have a qcuick question, that maybe someone else has had experience with. My personal opinion is that it is a pulled muscle, but maybe someone will have a better idea. Here is the synopsis:

Lennox started to limp drastically about a month ago. She would not put any weight on her right paw. Initially, we thought it was her paw falling asleep. However, she continued and it was always the right paw. WE finally brought her into the vet, and after $130 in x-rays determined there was no breaks or bone spurs. They suggested Ascrptin and bed rest. We have been doing this for about a week, and she still limps from time to time. I am thinking it is getting better, but that might be wishful thinking.

Hopefully, someone out thee has had a boxer with a pulled muscle and can corroborate my story and put my mind at ease. Thanks for any and all suggestions/ advice!

 

[VTbxrFan]

Is the problem in the front or back leg? If it's the back leg, it could be a ruptured or partially torn ligament.

 

[Lennox]

My bad it is the right FRONT paw. and usually occurs when she initially gets up from lying down. Hence, my paw falling asleep theory. But right now she is walking around without a limp at all. It comes and goes.

 

[nanabear]

There is something know as OCD in dogs, you can read about it here.
http://vetmedicine.about.com/gi/dyn...ity.com/portfolio/wdwork/vet/growingpains.htm

 

[Pierpoint]

Lennox:

Any update on the limping? I have the same problem - back left paw and am not sure if I should run off to the vet yet or not.

Thanks,

 

[Lennox]

update-
It has essentially disappeared with the use of ascriptin 325 mg. initially, 2 pills morning and night, than one pill (after about 4 days) and now no pills. I am not sure if it has been the time that has passed or the ascriptin. I would try the ascriptin for a week, and then if no improvement, would pay for x-rays at the vet. Best case scenario save you some cash. Also, Lennox weighs 50 pounds and the vet said that 1 pill 2 times a day is the max.

The limping has not been eliminated because she will still do it after waking from a long nap or in the morning. I am going to get her a new bed soon.

I almost forgot, the vet also said to decrease activity to a point of "bed rest", this was the toughest part. She always wants to play. Fortunately, video games kept me occupied and her on the couch!

Hopefully, this helps!

 

[nanabear]

One of the *most important* things I learned on these message boards......beware pain medications. Medication dulls the pain for the dog, symptoms disappear or are lessened and dog is allowed to engage in usual Boxer play and activity.
I have a real problem with this when it comes to my husband. As "Mom" I want to make Mack feel better and take away his pain. As "Dad" as soon as he sees Mack looking better, it's off for more exercise - a viscious circle.
Although, with Boxers, they are *so* stoic I'm not sure being in pain does anything to keep them from wanting to play.....

 

[cynthia76]

Same problem but diagnosed as OCD

I took Bowzer to the vet because he would limp on his back left leg. The vet did xrays and diagnosed it as OCD. Bowzer just turned three, and I read that link that was posted earlier, and it seems to occur in puppies more often? I thought I read that the disease would run it's course and disappear by maturity.

Also, the only thing she prescribed was glucosamine and chondroitin. That's it! No anti-inflammatories or anything else. It's been almost two weeks now and no improvement.

Think I should take him to another vet?:(

 

[nsuch]

Lennox -

I hesitate to tell you my experience as it might not pertain to you.
But, My Dixie did the same thing and we gave her ascription and it would be better then come back. Trips to Vet and x-rays did nothing but get us presciption pain pills as needed.
Again, better then it returned - limping front right paw.
Vet sent us to specialist who x-rayed the joint on shoulder close to neck. It was not good and they gave us 2 weeks as it was a tumor on spine at a difficult location. She was 10 years old and not as young as yours or they may have amputated her leg.

I do not want to upset you but it this continues, get the x-ray up high on shoulder. Your baby is young and healthy otherwise and could get over this without alot of pain and suffering.

I will pray that this isn't your case but felt you should be aware of this possibility. We had checked everything else and thought something was stuck in between her pads and she was so sore.

Good Luck and let us know of your progress.

Laura

Dixie 09/04/90 - 04/16/01 female fawn
Carly 05/16/01-fawn
Casey 05/16/01-brindle

 

[Lennox]

Thank you Laura for the sad story in regards to Dixie.

Happy to say that the limping has totally disappeared. We completely stopped the ascriptin after about a week and the hardest thing was trying to keep her on "bedrest". Again Thank you for the story. And hopefully your other 2 boxers are as healthy as ever.