Dog is limping, what to do?

fishyman · 03-31-2008, 05:40 PM

My dog, about 45 lbs, 10 months old 3/4 basset 1/4 beagle has a limp on his front leg. He hobbles around, but when he stands or sits still, he keeps most of his weight off of it. I am not sure what caused this, but I think I may have rolled over him or his leg in my sleep

, but I'm not really sure. All I know is that when I woke up and waited for him to jump down the bed, he did, but then hobbled towards me. What should I do? I rescued him from the pound when he was only a couple months old, and he's been perfect health-wise since then. I don't have any money, which is why I got a dog from the pound.

All of my friends say to wait for a few days or a week, and if it doesn't get better to take him to a vet. I will if I have to, but if at the vet they tell me treatment will cost a lot of money, I'll most likely have to give him up back to the pound, and I would hate to do that since he was scheduled to be put to sleep when I initially got him.

When I touch his leg, he doesn't really care, and when I pull on it he doesn't really care either. But it's when I press down on the muscle, that's when he gets annoyed and starts pulling away or licking my hand.

Could it be that he just pulled a muscle, or maybe I rolled over on him and caused his leg to be hyper-extended? What do I do if that's the case?

Mac'N'Roe · 03-31-2008, 05:56 PM

Well, unfortunately, you are at sometime going to need to take the dog to the vet for regular check ups. You shouldn't have a dog if you cannot afford veterinary care in cases like these. Sorry to be so harsh.

Just from your description (and I'm not a vet and in no way should you take this as medical advice or a diagnosis) but if you can touch and pull on it without extreme pain...it may just be a bruise or slight sprain. But again, you should take it to the vet for a proper diagnosis. Perhaps he hurt it jumping off the bed. I've seen a poodle break it's leg jumping off the bed.

briteday · 03-31-2008, 06:12 PM

No one can really tell you over the internet what is wrong with the dog. Even a vet won't diagnose over the phone. I would suggest that you get the dog in to see a vet. There are many alternatives for low income pet owners to get proper veterinary care for their dogs. Please check with your humane society or SPCA.

fishyman · 03-31-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac'N'Roe

Well, unfortunately, you are at sometime going to need to take the dog to the vet for regular check ups. You shouldn't have a dog if you cannot afford veterinary care in cases like these. Sorry to be so harsh.

Maybe, maybe not. I'm not of the ilk that believe that only millionaires can have pets. I do believe that given my limited funds, the life I am offering to my dog is better than the alternative, where he would have been put to sleep.

But maybe you're right- maybe he's better off dead. I don't know, call me old-fashioned, but even though I don't have much money and I have to care for my 81 year old mother, the companionship and life I offer my dog is better.

I'm not posting here because I don't care about my dog. Rather, it's the opposite. If I truly did not care, I would not post here, I would simply surrender him to the local animal control office to be put down just as when I found him.

The vet is the last alternative before sending him away to be put down at the pound. If I have to, I will. I'm already in a lot of debt, and my mother's fixed income is the really the only thing keeping us afloat these days, but if I need to, I'm sure I can sell some stuff to make it happen.

But obviously, that isn't my first choice, and I hope you can understand my reticence in pursuing this course of action, even though for other people this would be a viable option.
Mac n Roe, I'm happy that you are more financially fortunate than I am, I really am. But I am not you.

But please, when responding to this thread, keep in mind that I am not posting here to be judged, I am here for my dog.
If the leg IS sprained, or a muscle is pulled, what should I do myself, to make my dog better?

cshellenberger · 03-31-2008, 06:37 PM

Get the dog to a vet, most will work with you.

Until then, limit the dogs activities, potty on the leash only, no running or rough necking. If you have a crate I'd put the dog in it to rest with plenty of chew toys to keep him occupied.

Mac'N'Roe · 04-01-2008, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishyman

Maybe, maybe not. I'm not of the ilk that believe that only millionaires can have pets. I do believe that given my limited funds, the life I am offering to my dog is better than the alternative, where he would have been put to sleep.

But maybe you're right- maybe he's better off dead. I don't know, call me old-fashioned, but even though I don't have much money and I have to care for my 81 year old mother, the companionship and life I offer my dog is better.

I'm not posting here because I don't care about my dog. Rather, it's the opposite. If I truly did not care, I would not post here, I would simply surrender him to the local animal control office to be put down just as when I found him.

The vet is the last alternative before sending him away to be put down at the pound. If I have to, I will. I'm already in a lot of debt, and my mother's fixed income is the really the only thing keeping us afloat these days, but if I need to, I'm sure I can sell some stuff to make it happen.

But obviously, that isn't my first choice, and I hope you can understand my reticence in pursuing this course of action, even though for other people this would be a viable option.
Mac n Roe, I'm happy that you are more financially fortunate than I am, I really am. But I am not you.

But please, when responding to this thread, keep in mind that I am not posting here to be judged, I am here for my dog.
If the leg IS sprained, or a muscle is pulled, what should I do myself, to make my dog better?

Well, I'm not financially fortunate or a millionaire. But I waited to get a dog until I was financially SECURE enough that if an emergency or veterinary visit was in order, I would be able to handle it. The only reason I said this was your original post said you got a rescue dog because you have no money. If you don't have money, don't get a dog. It WILL require veterinary care. That's all I'm saying. I also didn't imply that your pet would be better off dead, but it would have been better off in a home with the proper means to provide veterinary care. I don't know your situation, I'm just going by what you posted. Nothing personal.

I'm not trying to be mean. I'm sure you care for your dog, the fact that you rescued that shows that you care and love your dog. I also don't think you have to be a millionaire to own a dog. HOWEVER, owning a pet means being able to provide veterinary care. I'm assuming from your post that you do not feel that this is the case.

I really hope, for the dogs sake, it's something minor and clear up. Please update us on his/her condition. I also hope that you do some research and locate a veterinary service that will work with you.