Pet Arthritis

[Jeld-Wen Falcon]

I have a 3yo Kelpie X, and about 6wks ago she developed a limp for 2 days. Then she came right, but every so often we can see limp a little, then again today it was a bad limp again. The reason I thought it was arthritis is due to the randomness of the limping. I was interested if anyone else had a pet who had arthritis, what kind of symptons they had and what had to be done to keep them healthy. Im asking this to get an idea of what will need to be done if it is arthritis. Taking a visit to the VET within the next few days.

[deesun]

Dogs are no different to humans in that they can pull a muscle just like us. It may be it gets better over a couple of days and she then agrivates it again by running and jumping. Rest for that one. Does she yelp when putting pressure on any limbs? Hip displaysia is another common problem in dogs. This is treated with a series of injections 2 to start overa couple of days then 12 monthly till problem gone. Still the vet is the best one to ask.

[thefargo]

one of our dogs had a shifting patella (kneecap) this is common in little dogs. we had her operated on, and then followed with a series of anti-arthritis injections. she would be fine, running etc, then the patella would shift and she would hold the leg up and limp, until it shifted again. not sure if this is a help, but it is something to consider.

[Jeld-Wen Falcon]

No, it doesnt seem to bother her too much. She can put some pressure on it, mainly she just walks around with her left leg up, but she is alot more mellow than usual. Its the same one each time.

When it first happened we thought someone might have hit her. We do have the neighbour over the back yelling complaining that she barks during the night. But we've asked other nieghbours and they dont hear her, and if they do, all the dogs start( everyone has one). But thats another story. And now its happened again so I sorta dismissed that idea.

She does jump alot, so it could be an RSI kind of thing.

Thanks for the help BTW.

[max]

Bit young for arthritis isn't it? I'm thinking something stuck in her paw causing pain when putting pressure/weight on it. Go to the vet.

[lisa76]

She does seem a bit young for arthritis. If it were that, you can supplement her with Glucosamine tablets just like we humans take.

It does sound more muscle related or even as said above a pad injury. Have a good look at her pads, and in between her toes both on top and underneath. Feel her pads, even squeeze them gently just to see she hasn't landed on something when jumping around. She could have bruised a pad that way. Running around she could have also pulled/tore a muscle which all you can do with is rest it.

If you are really concerned though, or the limp doesn't go away in a few days take her to your local vet and see what they say.

[Penelope Pitstop]

I would say that she is a bit young for arthritis but then stranger things have happened.

Speaking as the owner of a Kelpie X I reckon more than likely she has hurt her leg jumping or running. Kelpies seem to have a complete lack of concern for their own safety and are much more preoccupied with killing the ball or chasing birds and generally being active. I know that my girl often hurts her foot running on the gravel we have down the side of the house - doesn't slow her down though.

Check the area for cuts, swelling or prickles and if it doesn't get better in a day or so - straight to the vet.

Beautiful dogs though.... I love Kelpies they are so loyal and smart.

[Jeld-Wen Falcon]

Thanks for the help everyone, you guys (and gals) are legends.

I had a look at her foot, nothing abnormal. I'll take everyones advice and wait to see if she comes good.

Penelope Pitstop, I agree, great dogs. Ultra-active, it wouldnt surprise me if she has done it jumping or chasing as she often doesnt look when chasing things.

[MO]

Originally Posted by Jeld-Wen Falcon

Thanks for the help everyone, you guys (and gals) are legends.

I had a look at her foot, nothing abnormal. I'll take everyones advice and wait to see if she comes good.

Penelope Pitstop, I agree, great dogs. Ultra-active, it wouldnt surprise me if she has done it jumping or chasing as she often doesnt look when chasing things.

the only advice that was really worthwhile was take your dog to the VET and the sooner the better!!!!!!!

[67XRT]

Seriously consider exercising young dogs in water if you have access. The loads placed upon the skeletal structure of young and extremely active dogs is enormous.

Building muscle mass around the skeletal structure is the best thing you can do for highly active or working dogs.

Be carefull with the amount of exercise you subject your pup too. It is tempting to provide a lot of activity however, in pups try to avoid stairs especialy movement down flights of stairs, long downward inclines etc. apart from the abnormal pressure placed on pads which is usualy the first cause of non specific limping etc, it places un-natural pressure on ligaments, soft tissue and the skeletal structure.

Sorry just realised the dog was 3yrs not months. Principles still apply however, and if you have had him/her since a pup you would know her history better than I can glean from the post.

hope there is improvement soon.

cheers