My dog Nala is limping!

[DreamDelta]

My son walked our 1 year old Lab Nala earlier this evening. I noticed that she was limping and asked my son if anything happened. He told me that she stumbled off the curb and landed awkwardly. She's not whining or anything and when I went outside she ran to her ball, but I noticed that her gait is a little off. Should I take her to the vet tomorrow? Or maybe take her to the emergency vet tonight? Maybe it's just a sprain?

I'm trying not to panic, but I can't help it.....

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Dogs can pull muscles, too. I'd wait until tomorrow and if she is still acting fine maybe just give the vet a call. I don't think you need to bring her into the ER Vet tonight unless she starts showing serious signs of pain.

I know my dog was sick in April and I was panicking so I know how you must be feeling!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

I notice that you're in Chicago...me too! Which vet do you go to? The ER vet in the city is great and very helpful over the phone if you want to call just for some peace of mind!

 

[DreamDelta]

I notice that you're in Chicago...me too! Which vet do you go to? The ER vet in the city is great and very helpful over the phone if you want to call just for some peace of mind!

I take Nala to Banfield, located in Petsmart. They gave me the number of an ER vet, but for the life of me I can't find the phone number or remember the name of the place!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

Here is the Web site with phone number on it. My vet is bookmarked on here and they have the link up to the 24 hr place: http://www.chicagoveterinaryemergency.com/

 

[acejka]

I wouldn't do the emergency vet unless she was really crying out or acting very uncomfortable. Maybe call for an opinion but I'd wait till morning soince she was running for herball.

 

[DreamDelta]

Here is the Web site with phone number on it. My vet is bookmarked on here and they have the link up to the 24 hr place: http://www.chicagoveterinaryemergency.com/

I found the number that I was looking for and called AND called the ER vet that you recommended. My ER vet said that it's probably minor soft tissue damage and that if her leg were broken, Nala wouldn't be able to walk. She told me to take her to my regular vet in the morning if she's still limping.

The ER vet that you recommended suggested that I crate her for a few hours, let her out and if she's still limping, to bring her in.

Now what do I do?!

 

[DreamDelta]

I wouldn't do the emergency vet unless she was really crying out or acting very uncomfortable. Maybe call for an opinion but I'd wait till morning soince she was running for herball.

Thanks for the advice. I'm so worried about her, I don't think I'm gonna be able to sleep!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I've had this happen lots of times (and spent tons of money and never once was it anything serious). Have the dog take it very easy - no running or rough play, etc. Chances are she'll be fine in a day or two. You can give an aspirin (if she has no contraindications, and be sure not to give tylenol or ibuprofen) for comfort but it can mask the pain and cause the dog to do more than she should, so be careful not to let her overdo it even if she's seeming better. It sounds like you'll be headed to the vet tomorrow since you're worried. I'm sure your dog will be just fine.

 

[DreamDelta]

I've had this happen lots of times (and spent tons of money and never once was it anything serious). Have the dog take it very easy - no running or rough play, etc. Chances are she'll be fine in a day or two. You can give an aspirin (if she has no contraindications, and be sure not to give tylenol or ibuprofen) for comfort but it can mask the pain and cause the dog to do more than she should, so be careful not to let her overdo it even if she's seeming better. It sounds like you'll be headed to the vet tomorrow since you're worried. I'm sure your dog will be just fine.

Thanks for the advice! And you're right, I probably will take Nala to her vet tomorrow! I put her in her crate for the night, so hopefully all she'll need is a little rest. But if she's still limping, off to the vet we go!

 

[amg35]

Thanks for the advice! And you're right, I probably will take Nala to her vet tomorrow! I put her in her crate for the night, so hopefully all she'll need is a little rest. But if she's still limping, off to the vet we go!

I have a dog who likes to pounce instead of walk. I'll pay anyone a million dollars if they could get him to stop doing that!! He has limped a couple times. Really, I don't go to the vet. It always wears off in a day or two. Mostly he limps when he first gets up because it's stiff, but then after walking a bit, he feels better. I just feel around his foot and ankle, if it doesn't bother him when I touch it, I try not to be so concerned.

Obviously, if it's not better after a couple days, go to the vet, but I think your dog will be fine.

 

[DreamDelta]

I have a dog who likes to pounce instead of walk. I'll pay anyone a million dollars if they could get him to stop doing that!! He has limped a couple times. Really, I don't go to the vet. It always wears off in a day or two. Mostly he limps when he first gets up because it's stiff, but then after walking a bit, he feels better. I just feel around his foot and ankle, if it doesn't bother him when I touch it, I try not to be so concerned.

Obviously, if it's not better after a couple days, go to the vet, but I think your dog will be fine.

I did exactly that! I felt around on her leg and even poked at her paw. She didn't flinch or anything, so I guess that's a good sign. I know that I can be a nervous Nelly!

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

I am sure she is okay, but let us know how she's doing in the morning!

 

[dawnandnala]

I am sure she is okay, but let us know how she's doing in the morning!

I just had to post on your thread because my furbaby is Nala too!!!

We're sending well wishes to you and your Nala!

 

[mamamary]

I am sure she is okay, but let us know how she's doing in the morning!

Hope she is doing better this morning. My lab will occas. hurt his leg/paw and by the next day it is usually fine. I am a worrier too so I know how you feel.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I do not remember you saying what breed Nala was or how old. If she is older OR if she is a big breed like lab, golden or German I would still take her to the doctor. I know from experience having had dogs with leg problems. I am just overly cautious but I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

[polkadotsuitcase]

Hope she's doing better now. Did you check her paw pad? One of my dogs once got a splinter that made her limp. Or perhaps she tore a nail?

If it continues, I'd take her in -- but as others have said, it could just be something that has "magically" disappeared in the morning!

 

[MM27]

Hope your pup is feeling better.

My dog has done the same thing a few times. Sometimes when she jumps out of my car she goes too fast and lands funny. I usually feel guilty and will sit and massage her leg for her.

 

[Christine]

My DD took my dog for a walk on Monday afternoon. Tuesday morning the limping started. Took me awhile to figure out it was coming from her right foot. I've examined the paw numerous times and see nothing. She licks it frequently and favors it so she may have a small cut or splinter I can't see.

At any rate, it is now Saturday morning and she's improving. Hopefully your dog will do the same.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yep, I have 2 dogs and they will limp sometimes. Usually it is just a pulled muscle and they are fine in a couple of days.

Now, if they could NOT walk or were sitting there yelping in pain crying, then I would take them in.