Occassional Limp

[rkelly]

I have a 2.5 year old GSP and have noticed an occasional limp off and on the last year or so. She will be running and sometimes lift her back right leg for a few strides. She doesn't act like she is in any pain at all, and I have pulled on the leg and checked her pads with no reaction from her. I have had her on 3 day hunts out in ND a few times this year and she hunts hard every day. I don't notice it at all when she is busting through cover, she does it when she is out in the open running. It seems to show up more so when it is cold out. I had her out hunting this weekend in over a foot of snow and it showed up more than it ever has. She busted well through the cattails but when running on the outside edges would lift that leg up at times through her stide. Any ideas? My fear is a partial CCL tear. Just wondering if I rest her the next few mos and start her on Glucosamine it could help prevent a total tear if that is what it is. When it is cold out like now (10degrees out) she will even lift that leg some when I let her out to the bathroom. Though it is usually only for a few secs and she never continues to keep weight off it.

[jlp8cornell]

have noticed an occasional limp off and on the last year or so.

This has been going on for quite some time. Your dog is young. A trip to the Vet is well worth the money to get her properly diagnosed. Could be anything from a partial CCL tear to arthritis to a recurring sprain. (If it is a partial tear nothing will prevent a full tear, especially in an active dog, except rest. Glucosamine will not help.)

Have you spoken with your Vet?

[rkelly]

I mentioned it once at her yearly physical, he just checked range of motion and didn't think much of it. Though the thing is 99% of the time she runs normally. It has just started to show up more often lately while she is hunting in the snow and cold.

[jlp8cornell]

Considering she is only 2.5 yrs old, I would definitely want this properly diagnosed. Ongoing injuries like this only get worse. U Minn is there- how about a trip to an orthopedic specialist? Between an ortho exam and radiographs of that leg, it shouldn't be that much $ and well worth it. They will be able to tell you if she has a CCL tear with a test called cranial drawer test- It is part of the physical exam- tests stifle (knee) stability.

She's young. I would want to know what really is going on. Good luck!

[rkelly]

Thanks, I agree that is probably the best course of action.

[jlp8cornell]

Thanks, I agree that is probably the best course of action.

Good luck. Hopefully all goes OK. Will you let us know?

[rkelly]

I am thinking it is probably a waste of time and money going to my normal vet first. Don't you think? Probably better off going straight to the ortho guys.

[rkelly]

Nope Howie, never have been X-Rayed. I don't plan on ever breeding her so never have had it done.

[jlp8cornell]

I am thinking it is probably a waste of time and money going to my normal vet first. Don't you think? Probably better off going straight to the ortho guys.

That is what I would do. Both of my dogs have had hindlimb lameness and I went straight to my ortho specialist.

[rkelly]

Thanks Howie, I will give them a call and set something up. Not too far of a drive from here.