Sore shoulder - What do I do?

[Mrs.F]

Penny must have had too much partying yesterday. She's slow and sore this morning - (actually it started last night). She seems to have a sore shoulder/chest. She's eating, urinating and has no fever or other symptoms, so I'm assuming she just strained herself yesterday playing with the other dogs. Last night she yelped when my daughter picked her up, but didn't seem to limp or favor either leg. This morning she is putting weight on all of her feet, but is hobbling a bit - getting her weight off that front leg more quickly than the other 3.

Anyway, what can I do for her? How long can I safely wait before I call the vet? Normally, I'd be on the phone making an appointment as soon as they open this morning, but we've given him a pretty big chunk of our last few paychecks, so I'd like to wait and see if Penny really needs to be seen before I rush her in.

Thanks for any help or advice you can give me. I am starting to feel like we are jinxed.

Heidi, Penny & Maggie

[Mark]

Hi Heidi,

My first advice would have been, if it doesn't clear up in several days . . . see the Vet. But that aside . . .

I'm guessing you examined Penny thoroughly to rule out a possible fracture or torn ligament, etc.? Then it seems likely that it is muscular and activity should be very limited (crating?). Otherwise I think the chance of reinjury or further injury is at risk. If she isn't any better in a week . . . see the Vet.

We are sending lots of healing RAYZ your way. Please keep us posted,

http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gif

Mark

[Wienergal]

When it rains, it pours, Heidi!<IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm25.gif" border=0>

I think Mark is right. Have you applied light pressure in the affected area to see if you can find where the pain is? It's probably just a muscle pull or strain, but I'd limit her activity and keep an eye on it.

One more thing you might want to try; I read about this and do it with my dogs--they love it, but I have no idea whether it truly does any good. There is an acupressure point on the underside of the front leg, just beneath the large paw pad. Massaging this area (massage upward, toward the pad, finishing at the bottom of the pad) and applying pressure there is supposed to increase blood flow to that limb. Can't hurt, might help!

Good luck! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gif

[Penny's Aunt]

It probably is some kind of muscle strain or something. I can tell from here that it isn't broken (VBG): a dog or cat will never let a broken leg touch the ground.

Unless more serious symptoms show up, I would just insist she take it easy for a few days. If there's no improvement at all, I would consider calling the vet & talking to someone, but it doesn't sound like there's any real rush. Mother Nature is a pretty good healer on her own.

Here's rayzzzz at the girl!

[Augie Dog]

Aug is a tough guy when it comes to play. He will hobble for a day and then be right back in it. With all of his problems as of late, I got back from work early, and off to the park we went, JOGGING!

Doxies are tough, but, if it last more then two days, off to the vet.


D S & A

[Mrs.F]

Penny is much better tonight - I've even had to stop a couple of puppy wrestling matches because I'd like Penny to rest a little more!

Along with the other things going on around here lately, we've had a 16 year old family friend move in with us. She's not attending school right now and she didn't have to work today, so she and Penny spent the day snuggled up on the couch with a pile of books. An equally effective but much more pleasant version of crate rest! http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

Thanks for your advice everyone. I can remember back to the days when I used to trust my instincts and take things in stride with my pups! I sure hope I can get back to that point again soon!

Heidi

[Oscar's Mom]

So, Penny was too much of a party animal at her party? I'm glad to hear she is feeling better.

[Mark]

Hi Heidi,

I'm so glad Penny is doing so well!

We should never underestimate the power of well-aimed Dachsie healing http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/rayz.gif's. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

Mark