Sore Leg?

[Sandy]

Toby is favouring his left hind leg. It seems stiff when he gets up out of sleep, and wants to give out. Then, when he's been up for a bit, it seems a lot better. I didn't see him hurt it - it was fine when he got up this morning, and then mid morning seemed to get sore. All I can think is that maybe he pulled a muscle or twisted it playing in the snow? I'd like to worry about it (I'm a very good worrier), but I think/hope it's no big deal. Any thoughts?

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Hi Sandy,
If he has the same problem tomorrow, I would take him to the vet - 'just to be sure' and 'better to be safe than sorry'. Here in New Jersey, vets are not open on the weekends so you have to go to an emergency clinics and they charge a fortune just to walk in the door.
Plesae let me know how Toby is doing - I am also a worrier
Adrianne

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

I agree with Adrianne.
Does Toby let you touch it or move it around? Is he putting weight on it?

[April Cliber]

Hi Sandy,
Puppies grow through growing pains, just like human kids do. The worst is usually between 4 and 8 months and affects their legs. Since much of their growing is done in their sleep, it makes sense that he would be sore in morning. I would never tell you not to go to the vet because it could be other things as well. This is just one fairly common explanation, and could be the cause. Good luck!

[Sandy]

This morning - the same thing. Seems stiff and sore when he gets up out of laying down, but once he's up, it seems fine. It seems to stiffen when he's not moving around, and works itself out when he is. I'd really like to worry about it (that's what I do), but my husband doens't feel it's anything significant. I can touch the leg all the way up and down, and I can move it around. Structurally it is the same as the other leg. It just seems to be putting weight on it out of a down position. Hopefully it will pass, and it's just growing pains. Otherwise Monday we'll head to the vet.

[Nancy Cavanaugh]

Hi Sandy:

I think a check with the vet is a good idea. I don't know how you feel about the holistis avenue - do you have any holistic vets that might do chriopractic or acupuncture?

[Janie]

I would take him to the vet.

[Sandy]

I took Toby to the vet today. There are no bone or ligament abnormalities. She gave me some medication to help the ligament heal without scarring, but basically said he must has twisted it or something outside. So.....money paid for peace of mind, I guess. :)

[Janie]

That is great! Hope things get back to normal with him soon.

[2itampco1w9fa]

Glad to hear it's not serious. Always good to have peace of mind!