Brinkley's Back Legs-He won't put pressure on them

[Heather & Brinkley]

Hey Guys,

I've been pretty much MIA for awhile because we've been moving-- husband to Boston and me to my parents.  And I've been trying to get tenants in our house.  Brinkley has finally adjusted to the new house for the most part and he's eating up the outside time now that he has a fenced in yard.

But why I'm writing today: Brinkley all of a sudden seems like he doesn't want to put pressure on his back legs. He won't sit on his hind legs for very long; he won't jump up on beds, sofas, etc, and I had to really convince him to come up the stairs. When I first called him up the stairs, he ran away with his tail between his legs and went and laid downstairs.  After being downstairs by himself for ten minutes, he started to whimper-- I think because he was laying down by himself (he always wants to be where we are.) After inviting him up one more time, he finally came up but very gently.

He was at daycare for eight hours each Thursday and Friday-- this is abnormal for him to go two days in a row but my work schedule called for it last week-- and they play really rough there.  Then he played for twenty minutes with other dogs Saturday and Sunday. Then he ad I went on a mile walk today. Could it be just a pulled muscle? He doesn't react when I push, pull, etc.

I also gave him heartgard last night. Could it be a reaction? This was the first time he took the dose for over 50 lbs.  

I'm leaning towards pulled/fatigued muscles because of all of his play time- I'm just curious why he doesn't react when I pull and push on it. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

He could have been injured at Day Care , but I think he overused his muscles. If he doesn't recover fully in a day or two, I would take him to the vet.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Okay, thanks! I am really hoping that's all it is.  He's a hard player and he had lots of play.  I probably should have scaled back. He normally has a day of recovery in between daycare visits.  It has always worked out that way but never planned.  I guess he may need that day of recovery before returning. 

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

It sounds like an injury of some sort...maybe call your vet and see what they say. Keep us posted!

[Martha & Cooper]

I was just going to say that it sounds like an injury too.   I would definitely try and keep him quiet for a couple of days.  Of course, if he seems to be in a lot of pain, a visit to his Vet is always best.  When Cooper was limping, they told me to keep him from running and jumping for a few days and see if the limping persisted.   Also to use warm compresses on the affected limp, but if you don't know where the injury is, you can't do that.   

It sounds like he is limiting himself, so that is a good thing, but it also means that he is probably hurting.  :-(

[Heather & Brinkley]

After a cople hours, there's a slight limp to his right back leg. He doesn't seem like he is in constant pain...just when he has to climb or jump...which he doesn't HAVE to do.

This may be the first time I have to go to a new vet...unless I drive 30 minutes to the old one. There's something comforting about going to the old one. I will see what they say in the morning.
Thanks!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

For this, I'd find a vet.  Could be muscle but I'm thinking back.  Whatever we all guess here is not good enough.  Please see a vet.

I'm sending you best wishes and outcome for this poor guy 

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

I am with you on this, Joanne.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Vern hurt his side or something recently. I think he ran into our stone wall and he was crying and not himself. I took him to the vet and they prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug that helped with pain and inflammation. It really helped him. I would take him to the vet. It sounds like he is hurting!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

If he isn't better in the morning - I'd take him back to your old vet.  It is the only way that you'll have peace of mind.  Do let us know o.k.  I'm guessing that maybe he got hurt a little at day care but best to know what is going on.  This coming from the mom of Stuart who will not jump at all, we have an ottoman up against our bed and I have to lift his back end into our SUV.  He'll only put his front paws up. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Whatever it is I hope you find the answer soon, sounds like Brinkley is in some discomfort.  Do let us know as soon as possible, I will be hoping it is something very simple like a pulled muscle and easily treatable.

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Poor Brinkley..... I would take him to the vet, sounds like he injured something.  Sending doodle hugs his way !

[Heather & Brinkley]

I'm waiting for the vet to open so I can call them.  A bright spot-- my dad is a college prof. and he's on spring break this week-- so Brinkley doesn't have to be home alone (I'm already at work-- got here at 6:30am.)