Samsons limping

**Valantar** · #1 10-09-2005, 06:13 PM

This past April, Samson was limping on his back leg and we debated about taking him to the vet. We eventually made the appointment and by the time we got in, he was showing no pain and the vet couldn't find anything wrong. He checked his joints and hips - everything was fine.

Yesterday, we had the dogs running out in the backyard for a couple hours while we worked outside. Today, Samson is really favoring his right hind leg. It is much worse after he gets up from sleeping. When he starts to move around, it seems to feel much better. He never yelps or acts like he is in much pain except for the limp.

I am wondering if we should wait a few days to see if it is just a strain and might get better on its own? I dread going to the vet because he gets so worked up that he has to be muzzled to even be looked at.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!

gerami · #2 10-10-2005, 06:05 AM

HI,

My Pele did the same thing, when we took her to the doggy park and let her run she would come home take a nap and start limping, no whining or no signs that she was in pain just the limp. After about 2 days she walked fine. The 2nd time this happened we took her to the vet. The vet took x-rays and found out she had hip displexia, I cried for 2 days. The vet talked about surgery for her, but talking to other vets, other pet owners and great advice from here I started her on 1000 mg of glucosmine,and so far she is doing fine. Instead of taking her to the doggy park to run free we just take her and Mana for walks. Hope this helps.

gerami

marcey · #3 10-10-2005, 08:47 AM

You mentioned glucosmine. Do you buy this from a vet, health food shop or pet shop? My Boxer has a very similar problem with a limp that comes and goes. Thanks.

boxer · #4 10-10-2005, 08:51 AM

You can get glucosamine from the vet or petstore - or you can buy it from your supermarket or health store for people too. It's the same stuff.

Chondroitin is also quite helpful for relieving the pain of arthritis resulting from hip dysplasia, and most often that and gulcosamine are given together.

**Valantar** · #5 10-10-2005, 08:12 PM

Thanks for all the replies - I am so worried about him. I baby him when he's not hurt, so he is getting lots of extra pampering now! That made me laugh to hear about Bella wiggling for Sammy

Hopefully, he'll feel better soon and can come back to the dog park to play.

I talked to my trainers at puppy class tonight and they recommended a vet visit in 2-3 days if he is not doing any better. By the way he was shuffling his back leg and really limping in the trot, they were worried about a cruciate injury

I will keep a watch over the next few days and hopefully will see some improvement. Samson is not very happy having his exercise restricted. It breaks my heart to see him hurting.

**Valantar** · #6 10-13-2005, 08:35 PM

Well, it has been 5 days and he has really been improving. I can barely notice the limp tonight. I am going to start allowing him to have some more exercise and see how he does. If the limp comes back at all like it was, then we are definately off to the vets.

dawn1 · #7 10-19-2005, 06:06 PM

Valantar....from what you describe...it sounds identical to my situation.
I took my dog to our small town vet and he thought it was acruciate ligament tear...I live in a small town and he said he has only done the surgery twice.
I went to another vet in a larger city and they disagreed with that diagnosis.
My dog was sedated, given a thorough exam and x-rayed....he has hip dysplasia.
I am also going to start giving him Glucosamine.
I pray it helps....