4 Year Old Lab Mix

[LokiMyBoy]

My dog hasnt been able to walk well in the past two days, and hes having trouble climbing into bed where he was not having any problem only 3 days ago. His back legs seem like they cant support him anymore, but there hasnt been any change to his diet or excercise.

Im scared and broke...

Is there anything i can do ?!

[Dax]

Thom - how old is the dog? Was there anything that could have injured him (rough housing, etc). Has there been a change in the weather (cold, damp, etc)? If the dog is getting up there (like me) it might just be aging.

I don't like to give any pain killers to my dogs only because I'm never sure whether it works and I believe pain is a body's way of saying DON'T DO THAT!!.

I would try to give him/her massage and more warmth. Have them lie on one side and gently massage the entire body (not just the sore area). Watch for signs of pain or discomfort as this might still be the result of an injury. Decrease the amount of exercise to just enough to eliminate over the next couple of days. Be sure to check feet, elbows, and hip joints looking for any abnormal lumps, bump, cuts, etc.

As long as your dog continues to eat, poop, drink, etc., all your vet might do is take xrays for injury. Watch him carefully for signs of improvement (or not).

[GretaJack]

My husband brought me home a lab that ended up like that. Didn't want to go up stairs, jump on the bed etc. Had him x-rayed and it showed nothing. The vet said to keep him quiet with moderate exercise.

Does he whince if you touch him is certain areas? Is anything appear swollen? Warm to the touch? If you have any of this there is an injury and he may or may not heal on his own. Give him a couple days and see how he is. If you have no signs of improvement than it is time to see a vet. Good luck and keep us posted as to what is going on.

[LokiMyBoy]

So far he still has a healthy appetite, and hes drinking water (though he has to sit down by the bowl to do so). Im helping him climb up into his chair, and into bed, but he doesnt whine when he walks, or when i rub his legs and hips. He still goes to the bathroom regularly, with help from me up the back steps. Ill just have to keep an eye on him and hope everything turns out ok over the next week.

Ill be sure to keep any change posted, and thank you everyone for your posts.

[erdog3]

Thom you don't say how old he is.
It could be an injury, but I doubt it, if he is not wincing in pain when you touch him.
If he is an older dog, and your weather has changed (gone cold) it could be the start of arthritis, or the other (I hate these words) HD.

Silly me it says his age in the heading, 4 years, so he is not old, well I guess I have to say the words Hip Displasia.
When you can you should get it checked out, especially if it is not better after a few days, week max. there are medications, natural ones, to help relieve the pain and inflamation.

[ June 16, 2004, 04:40 PM: Message edited by: ellierat ]

[LokiMyBoy]

Ive stayed home with him all day today, and kept a close eye on him. I had to pick up his water bowl for him to drink out of, and hes still got a healthy appetite. I also moved his back legs in and out (gently of course) and he never once winced in pain or yelped. When he walks he cant seem to grip with his feet, dragging the top of them along as he tries to walk.

I also noticed today he didnt go poop, and hes always been regular about it. At least once a day.

I feel pretty emotionaly sick over all of this, and im going to go lay down. Ive been reading about all the things it could be online- everything from lyme disease to constipation. It just scares me how sudden it all happened, and how it breaks my heart to see him like this...

[LokiMyBoy]

I live in south-east america, and the temps here get pretty high on hot days, but i keep my house a constant 70 degrees. Its rained here for the past two weeks, which is unusual, but this has never effected my dog loki before.

sorry i didnt answer these questions before hand, my mind is off in the fog somewhere over all of this.

[Dax]

Well, let's see if we can try some things to see if there is an improvement.

a) Constipation - you can feed him boiled chicken skin. It is a natural laxative. Be prepared for some runny stools but it works usually within 12-24 hrs.

b) It almost sounds like spinal bruising (My husband had from a fall - very similar difficulty moving). A blow to the back could cause this. Is it possible? There wouldn't necessarily be any pain in the joints but the signals to the limbs might be affected. Severe reaction to an insect bite? Are there any lumps, bumps, or possibility of either of these?

Has your dog received all shots? Hasn't been around any unfamiliar dogs lately. Are all his distemper shots are up to date?

You say he's eating and drinking normally (eliminating usually needs some movement - walking to keep them regular). There are no sigs of fever, eyes are clear & alert?

Unforuntately, I think it's might be neccesary to consult a vet. If you're low on funds, why not call the vet clinic and ask to speak to the vet. Tell him, it's not to take the place of a visit but you really can't afford an office trip if there are some things you can try at home first. Hey, it never hurts to ask - right? The worst they can say is we can't give you any information without seeing the dog. You'll be no worse off than now!

[erdog3]

Good appetite, still drinking, no vomiting, no diarrhoea. It doesn't sound like a virus or any sickness associated with diseases.
This boy is definately sore in the back area.
Have you checked between the toes? is he limping?
Does he favour one side? When he lies down is he stiff on getting up?
Lay him on his side, grasp him by his foot, then gently push the leg up into a feotal position, IE: right back up into the rib, with the knee. Do this very gently, both sides, let us know if there is any discomfort, you are not looking for a sound, just even a protesting movement.