Limping on front leg

[doxielover]

http://dachsie.org/ubb/frown.gifMiss Worry Wart here! Freddie has been limping (not bad, just minor) on and off for the last few days. It is his right FRONT leg that's bothering him, he will hold it up sometimes while standing. But it can't be too serious, because he still walks and runs, and he does not react at all when I apply pressure to his leg/paw, and I've felt and put a little pressure along his back and everything, it doesn't bother him. He's acting normal in every other way, eats & drinks. So I'm confused as to what it could be, and naturally concerned. It happened for the first time last August, and it was a little worse but it cleared up within 2 hours, and that was it. Then, just within the last week he's had it again on and off. He'll act normal, not limping, then boom! He's limping again. Naturally I'm paranoid about his back (from reading stories)! But his HIND legs would be affected if that were that case, right? Well, I will give it another couple days and call my Vet next week. I don't know if it could be inflammation, arthritis, tendonitis, or just threw something out of place, or what. Has anyone else's dachsie had this? PENNY'S AUNT any advise?? Oh, I examined the pad of his foot too and in between his toes. Normal. Any help would be great, thanks! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smile.gif

Susan http://dachsie.org/ubb/confused.gif

[Penny's Aunt]

Limping can be practically anything but food poisoning!

Seriously, he could just have a sprain. Does he limp when he runs? I would be tempted to keep him quiet for a while, & see if that helps. I would NOT give any pain killers. Pain is the signal to the body to slow down, & pain killers will mask this, letting the dog do more than he should.

I am very weak in back info. Maybe some of the others here know if high-back or neck problems can show in the front legs?

While he is lying on his side, you might try grasping his upper leg in one hand & his lower leg (not foot) in the other, & see if you get any reaction if you try to GENTLY manipulate the elbow joint. Then grasp his upper "arm" & work his shoulder joint, & see if he fusses. Then try his ankle.

NOTE: if the dog is panting while you are doing something with his leg & he suddenly closes his mouth, that can be a sign that you've hit on something that hurts. You can have someone holding his head, but don't let them pet or talk or distract him. You want to be watching him for reactions.

Good luck. It's to the vet if it continues.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[wireweiners]

Sounds like he could have a slight sprain or strain. I'd try keeping him quiet.

Problems with the discs in the neck usually are very painful. The dog holds his neck very stiff, does not want to move at all and will yelp if you try to move their neck at all. It is possible it could cause limping in the front legs but I think it would affect both legs and that he would not be moving at all.

[Wienergal]

How old is Freddie? Could be a little arthritis, unless he's real young, and I've forgotten his age... Peaches limps occasionally after she has just gotten up from a snooze. I've checked her rigorously for a pain response--nothing. And when we get outside, she tears around as if she were a pup. This too comes and goes, and I figure she's feeling the same stiffness that I sometimes feel after I've been lying down or sitting for a long time.

I don't know nothin' 'bout no backs, so I can say this doesn't SOUND like back trouble, but that is PURELY guesswork.

Can you call your vet and ask about this? That's what I'd do if I were worried, or if the problem seemed to be getting worse.

G O O D L U C K!!!! http://dachsie.org/ubb/wink.gif

(None of my smilies worked except the last one!!)
[This message has been edited by Wienergal (edited May 21, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Wienergal (edited May 21, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by Wienergal (edited May 21, 2000).]

[Mark]

Hi Susan,

When Duck Butter and Masse had their different back problems they did not experience anything in their front legs at all!

Since it comes & goes I tend to think it may be a touch of Arthritus (like Pam said), but I'm no expert. The Vet would be the best bet on this one.

It's OK to be a Worry Wart when it comes to our kids! /ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

Mark

[Tanya]

Hi Susan. When Punkin's back went out, she showed no signs of problems in her front legs. Only her back end was affected. Usually...I'm no expert either...if it is a high injury with the back, the dog will experience problems from the point of injury down so if the front legs are affected and it's the spine, then the back legs should also be affected. I'm no vet though. This is just how it was explained to me. Good luck little Freddie. Keep us informed!

[Cindi]

Sorry to report that if it is a neck problem it can be evident in the front end and it can be one side or the other. It would depend on if the disk material was sitting on one side or the other and thereby affecting the nerves on that side. However, there would also be evidence in the neck indicated by head carriage and pain when moving the head up and down or sideways.
Regardless, crate rest or confinement would be best either until you get to the vet or until the indications go away.
Just my little opinion, however.

Cindi

[Tanya]

Hi Doxielover. I was checking on Freddie and the limping. I was reading a dachshund book last night and did read that a dogs front leg can be affected if the disk is in the neck area and the back legs may not be affected. If you notice a stiff rigid neck, unsteady gait and pain, get Freddie care ASAP. If you notice a limp only, then crating is probably a good idea. If it continues though get it checked out. We want all our little dachsies on this board happy and healthy. I'll say a little prayer for Freddie!