Limping basset hound :-(

[RockHugger]

I have a 2 yr old basset hound, and a 8 month old wirefox/schnouzer terrior.

They play rough ALL the time, and a few days ago Teddy the Basset started limping. His back right leg hurts him a ton.
I am guessing it is from the playing, because something like hip dysplasia wouldnt pop up bad out of no where right?

I am a neuromuscular tharipist (for humans) and payed him down to feel where he is feeling his pain. I hit a muscle in his inner theigh area by his groin and he yelped, then peed all over, including on my poor 8 yr old who was comforting him.

My question is, how long does it usually take doggies to feel better with injuries, and if you have ever owned a doggie who has had a leg injury.
I dont want to take him to the vet, because I try to avoid doctors as much as possable, for everyone in the house not just doggies do to personal beliefs, but I dont want him to be in pain TOO long. Its so sad watching him limp around the house . And is there anything I can do to make him feel better?

 

[whitby_2773]

rockhugger -

take him to the vet immediately.

if he urinated involuntarily, then this is causing him all sorts of distress, and is obviously either - placing pressure on his organs - or - is causing him so much pain that he cant control his bladder.

his pain is unnecessary. keeping him in pain is - i'm sorry - but it's cruel.

take him to the vet immediately. if i saw this with my dogs, they'd be at the vet YESTERDAY.

if i knew someone who had an animal in that much pain but who was failing to provide them medical treatment, i'd have called the local council, the ASPCA or the Humane Society by now. so if i were you, i'd take him to the vet before one of your neighbors picks up the phone to some local authority.

FYI i have 3 very active dogs who play rough all the time. most strains occurring in play resolve in a matter of minutes; an hour at the most. if one of my dogs was clearly in pain for longer than that, i'd have him in for an emergency appt at the vet. i would tell the vet the dog was in distress, and any vet worth their salt would tell you to bring him up straight away. find a 24 hour animal hospital. go now.

i'm also not sure why *you're* sure he hasn't sustained a fracture. avoid handling his injury - you could be exacerbating the problem.

sorry - but this is very upsetting. your dog needs the vet. now.

 

[lulu]

My 100 lb. lab just had acl surgery-the tplo with the plate and screws. But he''s a big seven year old dog. I don''t think that could be your problem, but he did have a bad limp in rear left leg

 

[Burberrygirl]

Oh no!! My dog Mel is having issues with his rear right leg and he's been limping on and off lately. My neighbor is a vet so I finally took him in to see her yesterday. She said that most of the time it's the knee that's hurt. His hip seemed to be what was bothering him though so she took x-rays. Luckily it's not his hip and nothing is dislocated or broken. I guess he's just swollen and tender so she told me to give him these joint supplement treats with glycosylamine and he takes one pill a day for pain. He needs to relax and be careful not to re-injure it in the next month or so while it's healing. I waited to take him in for a while thinking it would heal on it's own, but it didn't--I'm just glad it wasn't anything too serious.

Idk, if I were you I'd take Teddy to the vet. I don't think I'd chance it especially if he seems to be in a lot of pain. Good luck, I hope Teddy is feeling better soon!

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 2/3/2010 9:29:30 PM
Author:RockHugger
I have a 2 yr old basset hound, and a 8 month old wirefox/schnouzer terrior.

They play rough ALL the time, and a few days ago Teddy the Basset started limping. His back right leg hurts him a ton.
I am guessing it is from the playing, because something like hip dysplasia wouldnt pop up bad out of no where right?

I am a neuromuscular tharipist (for humans) and payed him down to feel where he is feeling his pain. I hit a muscle in his inner theigh area by his groin and he yelped, then peed all over, including on my poor 8 yr old who was comforting him.

My question is, how long does it usually take doggies to feel better with injuries, and if you have ever owned a doggie who has had a leg injury.
I dont want to take him to the vet, because I try to avoid doctors as much as possable, for everyone in the house not just doggies do to personal beliefs, but I dont want him to be in pain TOO long. Its so sad watching him limp around the house . And is there anything I can do to make him feel better?

I''m sorry he is hurting. It''s been a few days now, and think he should see a vet. Injuries to the muscle can be very painful, as are strains and tears.. You won''t know what your dealing with unless you take him in.

My doggie gets back strains, and her knees dislocate.... I am constantly at the vet helping her, and some times I know... OK this time we don''t have to go and deal with it on my own.

BUT in your case, he really needs to be evaluated... You don''t want him to suffer, and you want him on the mend as soon as possible.

And for him peeing, it could have been you hit a muscle and that triggered that response, or he''s stressed...

Let us know what the vet says... Good luck.

 

[Maisie]

You must take him to a vet. He is in pain and you simply aren''t qualified to diagnose whats wrong. Neither are we. We can give opinions or experiences but ultimately a vet is the only person that can tell you whats wrong. Can you imagine if he had a broken bone and you didn''t have it fixed? He would be in severe pain, it sounds like he already is.

I''m not criticizing your personal beliefs but vets train for a long time and are there to help.

 

[FrekeChild]

Date: 2/3/2010 10:10:34 PM
Author: whitby_2773
rockhugger -

take him to the vet immediately.

if he urinated involuntarily, then this is causing him all sorts of distress, and is obviously either - placing pressure on his organs - or - is causing him so much pain that he cant control his bladder.

his pain is unnecessary. keeping him in pain is - i''m sorry - but it''s cruel.

take him to the vet immediately. if i saw this with my dogs, they''d be at the vet YESTERDAY.

if i knew someone who had an animal in that much pain but who was failing to provide them medical treatment, i''d have called the local council, the ASPCA or the Humane Society by now. so if i were you, i''d take him to the vet before one of your neighbors picks up the phone to some local authority.

FYI i have 3 very active dogs who play rough all the time. most strains occurring in play resolve in a matter of minutes; an hour at the most. if one of my dogs was clearly in pain for longer than that, i''d have him in for an emergency appt at the vet. i would tell the vet the dog was in distress, and any vet worth their salt would tell you to bring him up straight away. find a 24 hour animal hospital. go now.

i''m also not sure why *you''re* sure he hasn''t sustained a fracture. avoid handling his injury - you could be exacerbating the problem.

sorry - but this is very upsetting. your dog needs the vet. now.

GIANT DITTO!

 

[Blackpaw]

please take him to the vet, rock. he''s hurting

 

[honey22]

Take him to the vet right now! Fair enough if you decide not to go to the docs yourself, that''s an informed decision, but IMO you have an obligation to your pets to look after them, and be their advocate. They can''t talk, they can''t tell you what''s wrong and you are not qualified to diagnose the problem. Leaving an animal who is in obvious pain without vet treatment is neglect in my book.

 

[bee*]

definitely take him to a vet. He''s obviously in pain and needs to be checked out.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Any news from the vet?

It could be a pulled muscle, a pinched nerve or a torn cruciate, there is absolutely no way to know unless your vet checks him out. Let us know how the appt. goes!

 

[RockHugger]

I havnt taken him to the vet yet. His limping actually looks better this morning.

As for the peeing, him peeing like that ISNT something new for him. He does it when he is stressed or scared. If you yell at him he will pee. Someone knocks on the door and he pees. I clean his ears with vinager weekly, and he pees every time. So its not something that makes me thing something is seriously wrong with him, just means he is scared or stressed.

Sence it is a little better I am going to keep an eye on it. I applied pressure on his bones and joints last night and he had no pain, so I am pretty confident it isnt a broken bone. It is located in a muscle in his groin area that feels VERY tight. Im not a vet, but I know muscle and muscle injuries very well as a NMT, and its deff his muscle.

If it doesnt continue to get better or gets worse again I will take him in.

 

[CasaBlanca]

That TPLO surgery is serious major surgery. Seeing the ex rays of my baby with those pins and screws in the place where ligaments, muscle and bone once were...is and was incredibly difficult. The injury wasn''t my fault or there wasn''t anything I could have done to avoid it...but still you feel a huge chunk of you is broken...when it comes to something so serious. (both legs eventually in most dogs have to be done-as in mine).

My experience with that injury is the dog immediately carried her leg. Didn''t put any weight on it at all. I didn''t get a limp first...it was just a useless leg...that she carried...occasionally she may try to stand on it...but it failed to support her so she recoiled it back up again. That comment is not to dismiss the normal limp, as others may have that experience. But for me...there wasn''t a limp, the injury snapped the ligament...we were left with just a dangling leg.

But she did the FIRST injury while playing hard with her sister(which is what you describe happening here). They do it by shifting their weight differently and then blasting off at a different angle. This injury can happen to any animal and with in a blink of an eye. I added that Since this thread has breached the subject, and some one else my be reading it...and also I wanted to share my experience and in case it was merited in this one.

Unlike humans, if your dogs leg were broken and he wanted to chase that squirrel or a car, he wouldn''t allow his pain to stop him. I say that to tell you even if you see him run or walking normal, that doesn''t mean this WHAT EVER injury is healed-his will can conquer pain in some instances.

Oh, one more point...Once this cruciate ligament is damaged there is nothing bed rest can do to heal it. The corrective surgery is the only option. That is why everyone here that has the experience is begging you to go to vet. For a correct early diagnosis.

I Also want to encourage you also to head to the vet. FOR OUR COMFORT if nothing else. These threads are filled with many subjects, but when a PSers family member''s health is the subject, we all focus on that one thing above all baubles. Your baby trumps the other subjects.



PS.....If you have decided you aren''t going in...as in your last post...Perhaps your vet will prescribe Rimadyl after a phone consult with you...and your trained experience? It is worth a call. Runs about $28 for a 7 day course I think.

It is a great chewable tasty liver anti inflammatory for a muscle, or limping injury in cases such as yours... It is usually given when the vet is where you are in your diagnosis...you think IT IS MUSCLE... Your palpitating the area is what he will do...and then prescribe bed rest and quiet usually separation from the other siblings...and then a reexamine after the course of Rimadyl. The course will give the dog much needed relief so they can relax the tensed up muscle and begin to heal the strain. Which will confirm your diagnosis of just a muscle injury.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

 

[fleur-de-lis]

Date: 2/3/2010 9:29:30 PM
Author:RockHugger

I dont want to take him to the vet, because I try to avoid doctors as much as possable, for everyone in the house not just doggies do to personal beliefs, but I dont want him to be in pain TOO long. Its so sad watching him limp around the house . And is there anything I can do to make him feel better?

It''s hard to read a thread where the posts come back unanimously (8 for, 0 for not seeing a vet) and the OP is completely unpersuaded. Especially when the course of action involves something or someone that cannot speak for itself.

I won''t make it 9-0, but I will point out that dogs by nature will do anything to hide physical weaknesses because of pack structure hierarchy and its historical impact on a dog''s ability to reproduce. Dogs hide mild pain because they hide weakness. If they''re showing it, they''re in major pain. Rockhugger, your professional background may very well be allowing you to self-diagnose the same thing that a vet would; he might also be aware that when that particular muscle does what you are observing it is indicative of a different injury causing an overcompensation in that muscle when it occurs in dogs. Even in the best case scenario, the vet would be able to proscribe a pain med that is appropriate for your dog''s weight and optimized for his body chemistry so he doesn''t injure *something else* while compensating for the pain of current injury.

Okay, I guess I just made it 9-0. Sorry about that.

From what I know about human nature I can''t imagine an additional post from a stranger is going to be the tipping point that''ll allow an exception to your general rule on doctors, but perhaps it provided some perspectives to consider which may allow a logic-based exception to your general rule. I can easily imagine how hard it is to see your guy in pain. And, no matter what, I hope your pup feels better soon!

 

[lyra]

10-0. This is a no-brainer really. It needs to be evaluated, then you get to decide the treatment. It may be simple. If you don''t like medications, there are some natural remedies out there. I would caution you against one particular med, Medi-Cam. It can be toxic to certain dogs and if your dog has never had it you don''t know. Why make it into a lifelong problem if there is a simple inexpensive fix right now? Don''t assume the worst, but at least get an opinion. You can refuse treatment you don''t agree with later.

 

[Aloros]

I do think that animals tend to express pain differently than people do, and at different levels. At the very least, giving the vet a call can''t hurt. A good vet should let you know whether or not your dog needs to be seen. I''ve called before and been told to watch for xyz - if that happens bring ''em in, if not, they''re fine. They can also give you advice on what to do to make your poor pooch more comfy, if this is truly just a matter of time and healing. A few days of limping seems like a lot to me.

 

[RockHugger]

I called the vet and I told him about his limp. He agreed he thinks its from playing with the puppy, and that bassets are prone to hurting themselves playing. He told me its up to me to bring him in for x rays or not. He said if its a little better today then I can watch him for another day or 2, but if there is no improvement to bring him in. I asked him if I can give him some apple cider vinager as an anti inflamatory, and he said thats fine if I can get him to drink it.

So I will continue to keep him and the puppy seperated, and watch him till sat. If hes not doing better, I will call the vet again to bring him in.

 

[lilyfoot]

RockHugger, I understand your feelings about doctors. I am the same way, for myself, and my pets.

Everything I would've said to you has already been said by previous posters, but I just wanted to send healing dust to your puppy. I hope he's feeling better.

ETA: We were posting at the same time. Glad to hear the vet doesn't think it's anything major!

 

[RockHugger]

Thanks. I really want him to feel better, but I am not one to rush to the doctor. Heck, my kids dont even get rushed to the doctor if they are sick LOL.

I am going to massage it tonight again (with a towel over his potty) and give him more AC vinager. Fingers crossed it keeps getting better.

 

[MonkeyPants]

Hi RH. Sending lots of healing dust to your basset baby.

I''m not telling you not to take your pup to the vet, but my 2 yr old doxie/basset mix once started limping due to rough play. I was really worried, but since I''d spent so much money on emergency vet visits (my pup is a trouble maker), I decided to wait. I watched her carefully and she was back to normal in about a week or week and a half. However, I knew she wasn''t "hurting a ton" as you said your Teddy is because mine would run and play normally. Only after she got up from resting or sleeping would she start limping, almost as if it was just sore or maybe bruised. I would suggest taking him to the vet if he looks seriously distressed and is having a hard time walking.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Maybe a garlic poultice would help...

 

[whitby_2773]

Date: 2/4/2010 3:43:39 PM
Author: RockHugger
Thanks. I really want him to feel better, but I am not one to rush to the doctor. Heck, my kids dont even get rushed to the doctor if they are sick LOL.


I am going to massage it tonight again (with a towel over his potty) and give him more AC vinager. Fingers crossed it keeps getting better.

rockhugger -

i'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but you are NOT a vet. the sorts of injuries dogs sustain in play are not 'stiff muscles' as when a human over uses a muscle, for instance. if he is peeing when you massage him it's because you are causing him EXTREME PAIN - please - cease and desist and take the poor little fellow to someone who knows what they are doing. your qualifications DO NOT make you the right person to treat an animal and your massages are almost certainly distressing him and making his injury worse.

you can't see what's happening under his skin - you can only guess. he needs an x-ray, not a massage.

 

[bee*]

Date: 2/5/2010 8:30:09 AM
Author: whitby_2773

Date: 2/4/2010 3:43:39 PM

Author: RockHugger

Thanks. I really want him to feel better, but I am not one to rush to the doctor. Heck, my kids dont even get rushed to the doctor if they are sick LOL.



I am going to massage it tonight again (with a towel over his potty) and give him more AC vinager. Fingers crossed it keeps getting better.

rockhugger -


i''m sorry if this sounds harsh, but you are NOT a vet. the sorts of injuries dogs sustain in play are not ''stiff muscles'' as when a human over uses a muscle, for instance. if he is peeing when you massage him it''s because you are causing him EXTREME PAIN - please - cease and desist and take the poor little fellow to someone who knows what they are doing. your qualifications DO NOT make you the right person to treat an animaland your massages are almost certainly distressing him and making his injury worse.


you can''t see what''s happening under his skin - you can only guess. he needs an x-ray, not a massage.

I have to agree. I''ve worked in a vet''s clinic for the past 6 years and am in 4th year of veterinary college-take your dog into your vets. It''s not normal for a dog to urinate if it''s having it''s being massages, whether it''s a nervy dog or not. It needs pain medication at the very least. Limping dog=hurt dog.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I''d also like to point out that having your young child hold the dog while you massage it is plain stupid. While your dog peed this time, he could bite the next. Biting is a natural fear/pain reaction. I would hate to see your daughter hurt because of this, she might not understand that he didn''t mean it and it could instill a lifelong fear of dogs in her-in addition to seriously hurting her.

 

[waterlilly]

Date: 2/5/2010 7:20:21 AM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
Maybe a garlic poultice would help...

Get outa my head !

 

[waterlilly]

Date: 2/3/2010 9:29:30 PM
Author:RockHugger
I have a 2 yr old basset hound, and a 8 month old wirefox/schnouzer terrior.


They play rough ALL the time, and a few days ago Teddy the Basset started limping. His back right leg hurts him a ton.

I am guessing it is from the playing, because something like hip dysplasia wouldnt pop up bad out of no where right?


I am a neuromuscular tharipist (for humans) and payed him down to feel where he is feeling his pain. I hit a muscle in his inner theigh area by his groin and he yelped, then peed all over, including on my poor 8 yr old who was comforting him.


My question is, how long does it usually take doggies to feel better with injuries, and if you have ever owned a doggie who has had a leg injury.

I dont want to take him to the vet, because I try to avoid doctors as much as possable, for everyone in the house not just doggies do to personal beliefs, but I dont want him to be in pain TOO long. Its so sad watching him limp around the house . And is there anything I can do to make him feel better?

Long bodied dogs are in danger of spinal injuries, perhaps the "muscle" was a nerve, perhaps he has a disk issue.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 2/5/2010 3:56:42 PM
Author: waterlilly

Date: 2/5/2010 7:20:21 AM

Author: Hudson_Hawk

Maybe a garlic poultice would help...

Get outa my head !

Great minds WL...

 

[RockHugger]

HH, why do you post on my threads just to harrass me. Seriously. Its getting old.

ANYWAY, his limp is much better today. I think he is going to be just fine. Thats to everyone who gave me happy puppy wishes!

 

[whitby_2773]

yep. cause those happy puppy wishes will heal an injured disc, spine, nerve, tendon or joint every time...

rockhugger - if you dont want to go to the vet when your pet is injured - i cant force you. but at least CALL the vet. at least acknowledge that the vet knows more about sick animals than you do and use their expertise as a resource - on your PET'S behalf. surely that doesn't compromise your beliefs in any way - one phone call with an expert? surely you don't believe your massage course qualifies you to treat sick animals as a general rule? i think of all the times my pets have been ill - massage would have helped them, i'd say, 0% of the time.

i wanted also to comment on your post where you mentioned that your dog had a habit of involuntary urination when hurt or afraid or etc. my feeling is that your dog has learnt to be afraid of something/s in your environment and is living in an ongoing state of tension and overt submission. i'm not sure if you believe your massage experience extends to treating animal behavior problems, but my belief is that you have an animal behavior problem right here. i love my dogs - they're family to me - and if saw one of my dogs so unhappy in this manner, i'd take him to a specialist, because it would be CLEAR that something in MY environment had caused the problem. so obviously what i'd been doing, which i had thought was an acceptable way to treat this animal, WASN'T.

i'd encourage you to do the same.

 

[RockHugger]

Date: 2/5/2010 6:45:19 PM
Author: whitby_2773
yep. cause those happy puppy wishes will heal an injured disc, spine, nerve, tendon or joint every time...

rockhugger - if you dont want to go to the vet when your pet is injured - i cant force you. but at least CALL the vet. at least acknowledge that the vet knows more about sick animals than you do and use their expertise as a resource - on your PET'S behalf. surely that doesn't compromise your beliefs in any way - one phone call with an expert? surely you don't believe your massage course qualifies you to treat sick animals as a general rule? i think of all the times my pets have been ill - massage would have helped them, i'd say, 0% of the time.

i wanted also to comment on your post where you mentioned that your dog had a habit of involuntary urination when hurt or afraid or etc. my feeling is that your dog has learnt to be afraid of something/s in your environment and is living in an ongoing state of tension and overt submission. i'm not sure if you believe your massage experience extends to treating animal behavior problems, but my belief is that you have an animal behavior problem right here. i love my dogs - they're family to me - and if saw one of my dogs so unhappy in this manner, i'd take him to a specialist, because it would be CLEAR that something in MY environment had caused the problem. so obviously what i'd been doing, which i had thought was an acceptable way to treat this animal, WASN'T.

i'd encourage you to do the same.

I am sure you didnt read above where I said I did call the vet. Please read those posts.

As for the urination, he has been doing this sence I bought him as a puppy at 8 weeks old, and it has actually gotten better as he aged. I brought that up to the vet when he was a puppy, and he said its very common and happenes when they are excited or stressed.

Why does a simple dog post have to turn into attacks and arguments. Do all posts on pricescope do this? I have been reading for a while and it is a concerning trend.