limping in front leg

[denalipup]

I searched the thread, and I didn't find anything that sounds like what Denali is doing, so I apologize if I didn't look hard enough.

Denali is limping slightly ONLY when walking or trotting. He does it on leash, and when playing in the backyard or house. It is his front left leg. It is very slight, and he doesn't seem bothered by me touching it or massaging it. I have checked his paws for cuts, burrs or other obstructions and found nothing. He is fine when he runs and fine when he gets the puppy crazies around the house. It's either that, or I just can't tell because he is moving so fast. He climbs the stairs just fine and can hop on the bed with no problem. I noticed this about a week ago, and I thought it was my imagination, the limping was so slight. But I can tell a lot more easily now...or maybe I'm just paranoid?

Has anyone else had a similar problem? What was the cause?

Any advice or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Nichole and Denali

[johnwa]

No, I don't think that you are paranoid about this. In my experience with these dogs, it happens very frequently.
If this is a young dog, it's probably muscle strain or simply the result of overuse of the legs (i.e. too much running, walking, and so on), particularly if this dog is still growing.

What to do? Rest the dog for two/three days and see if this clears up. In other words, no long walks or runs. Keep the rough-housing to a minimum. If my assumption is correct, it should heal on it's own. If you are still seeing symptoms after this, report to your vet for examination.

[denalipup]

Thank you for the advice! Also for letting me know that I'm not just crazy. :)

I will make sure that he rests this week and see if the situation improves. If it doesn't, I already have him seeing the vet on Thursday.

Thanks again, Johnwa.

BTW he is almost 11 months old.

[emilysma95]

Butterfinger limps on her front right leg. She is 8 months now it started at 6 months) It does not seem to effect her or bother her one bit. I think it bothers me more. We thought it was Ostheocondrisit. But after 2 sets of x-rays my vet does not seem to think so. He is really baffled. He did notice the more she rests the more she limps. Right now we are back on regular excercise. She started going back to Doggie Day Care for 1/2 day every week or everyother with the lady watching her carefully. (She is also Butterfinger's trainer) We did put her on Glucosime and Chrontin.