Lame Arthritic Dog

doozie · #1 12/07/12, 11:27 AM

I have a little Min Pin that has developed a limp, took her in for Xrays, (I thought it was her knee) And she is showing signs of arthritis in a leg she had surgery on about 8 yrs ago.
I know she always limped a little in the cold weather, but quit as soon as she came inside. Actually, she is holding up a leg while walking.
This has been going on for about 3 weeks now. She just started on Metacam, but I really see no difference, and she is not even acting like she has any pain, thank goodness.
I was just wondering if this limp is going to be a permanant thing? I guess time will tell, but I have never seen a dog with a constant limp.

sisterpine · #2 12/07/12, 11:38 AM

Most animals other than humans will act like they have no pain....it is important for their survival that they do not seem weak. It does not mean they do not have pain. I hope you are able to continue the medicine to see if it helps your pet.

mekasmom · #3 12/07/12, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doozie

I have a little Min Pin that has developed a limp, took her in for Xrays, (I thought it was her knee) And she is showing signs of arthritis in a leg she had surgery on about 8 yrs ago.
I was just wondering if this limp is going to be a permanant thing? I guess time will tell, but I have never seen a dog with a constant limp.

I'm not fond of the surgeries. The dogs always end up having problems again. I use to go to a really good vet that did a lot of the surgeries. And they all seemed to eventually come back. And he really was one of the best vets in the area and highly respected for orthopedic procedures. The problem is, men are not God. And they cannot give a dog a perfect joint that lasts a lifetime in every situation no matter how "good" they are.
I would suggest getting some painkillers for your dog to make her more comfortable.

Maura · #4 12/07/12, 05:51 PM

My dog also has arthritis in one hip. The vet said that he needs to work that leg because the muscle just atrophies otherwise. I get him going enough that he forgets about the pain and uses the leg. Swimming also helps. If there is some way for you to get your dog swimming, this would be a good way for her to exercise that leg. Yes, she will have a permanent limp.

Joshie · #5 12/07/12, 07:42 PM

What kind of surgery? I'm worried about arthritis because our Rebel just had ACL surgery about ten days ago.

We've been giving Tootsie, our golden, Dasuquin. It's a glucosamine/chondroitin pill. It's supposed to be better than other formulations. Tootsie was having problems getting around but now she is moving around better than she has in years.

http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/index.ph...uquin-for-dogs

doozie · #6 12/10/12, 07:32 AM

Her surgery was for legg perthes disease., removal of the femoral head. So no joint in her hip socket anymore. Now she is showing signs of arthritis in the knee of the same leg. Sweet little thing, she will put the foot down sometimes now, but holds up the leg more often than not when outside. It does not seem to bother her at all, She is getting around just fine.

mekasmom · #7 12/10/12, 07:52 AM

Amputation is always a possibility to stop pain in a dog with just one really bad leg. It would be a last resort, but it is preferable to a little dog suffering all the time. Your dog doesn't sound like she is nearly that bad though. Pain killers would be the choice I would make.