Dog keeps hurting her paw

Lab Mix Owner · 05-19-2008, 06:11 PM

Hey all...new guy here. We have an 8-year old lab mix named Bailey.

Over the last few months, she hurt her paw four times...same paw, left rear. It happens mostly when she's playing with one of her toys. From what I've seen, she gets hurt when she makes a turn around the dining room table. She'd let out a yelp, then limp for the day, then she's fine again and tearing through the house.

Today I was playing with her and she tore off running around the table. She hit that turn, yelped again and limped towards me. This time she yelped a few times and kinda whimpered a little. She's limping and she keeps licking her nose (doesn't quite reach the nose though..it's like she tasted something bad) so I know it's bothering her.

One thing I was thinking (but probably wrong) is that her nails are too long, maybe causing her to twist her paw when she makes that turn.

I'm not sure what's going on with her. I don't know if I should take her to the vet to see what it is, or if I should have the groomer come over to clip her nails.

Anyone have any ideas?

Patt · 05-19-2008, 06:34 PM

Long nails can cause all sorts of problems, they should be trimmed regularly and you should never hear them click on the floor. I would also have the paw examined by her vet, possibly it is another problem causing her pain. If need be the vet or vet tech can trim the nails.

Bella D · 05-19-2008, 09:35 PM

I would also put an obstacle in her way (chair) so that she can't run top speed around the table, and take her for long walks to release some energy.

agility collie mom · 05-20-2008, 06:23 AM

A trip to the vet is in order. The vet can evaluate all the joint and muscles on that leg. Plus trim the nails (that is normally included in the visit.) What you think is the paw could actually be the wrist or even the hip, a trip to the vet would give you the information you are seeking. Let us know how she is doing.

poodleholic · 05-20-2008, 06:48 AM

It may seem to be a paw, but could be something else altogether. When I first got Beau, he, too, seemed to have injured his paw. It turned out to be OCD, left shoulder. His paw was fine. He went on weekly Adequan injections, Cosequin DS supplements, and is doing just fine - 5 years later! We were looking at surgery ($3,500 or more), but, we got lucky.

Take her to the vet!

Lab Mix Owner · 05-20-2008, 02:51 PM

Hey all.

I took Bailey to the vet this morning. He checked everything out and said it looks like a small sprain (he also clipped her nails). He gave us a chewable anti-inflammatory to give to her at feeding time. Her problem is that she's so rambunctious that the sprain doesn't have time to fully heal before she aggravates it again (I'll be adding obstacles around the house so she can't hit those high speeds for a while).

The vet said it may have been her nails, but also if it keeps happening it may indicate a problem with her ACL. He said it's like a nylon clothesline that, when it gets older, the strands can start to go one at a time.

Thanks for the responses.

jakl · 05-21-2008, 09:44 AM

long slow walks, start short you also have to strengthen the weak area after injuries or it will feel better untill she steps on it wrong again, and the weak area twists. think physical therapy after a person is injured. and i know this may sound cruel, but go out for your walks when it's almost time to take the next pill, because when you are a dog if it dosen't hurt, not injured and therefore you can walk on it.

mosbysmom · 05-21-2008, 02:03 PM

Aww poor girl! It's tough to get dogs to let themselves heal but it's important to keep them quiet so that they give the injury some rest. I hope it's just the nails and not the ACL!