ramonaghan

Your description of Lia's limp and overall behavior sounds a lot like Sweep. I will spare you all the details of our long saga, but it started with a limp upon rising in late summer 2015, shortly before she turned 6. Over the course of a year or so, we did several rounds of x-rays, acupuncture, chiropractic, Chinese herbs, myriad joint supplements, months of leash walking, consults with orthopedic specialists, laser therapy, massage, and probably other stuff I'm forgetting. Nothing has ever showed on an x-ray, but eventually our second orthopedic specialist was able to isolate the pain response to a weight-bearing toe on her left front foot. The best guess is that it's an old racing injury that has developed arthritis over time. The hardest part for us was determining where it hurt specifically. I'd definitely consider a consult with an orthopedic specialist if there's one near you, and another set of x-rays if it's been a while since the first set. If you can isolate the issue, you can try more targeted therapies like cold laser, acupuncture, chiropractic, and therapeutic massage. That said... Every dog is different and people have justifiably strong opinions about NSAIDs, but for us Previcox has been the most effective treatment. Sweep has been off and on it for almost two years. Sometimes she only needs it every other day or so, sometimes daily, sometimes not at all. (I haven't figured out the pattern yet, but I suspect humidity and activity level affect it most.) And her bloodwork is still perfect (knock on wood). So I would try the Rimadyl if you haven't done so. If it works, your girl gets some relief and you can go from there. If it doesn't, that's diagnostically useful too. The second most effective thing has been massaging the toe; the physical therapist taught us a couple of specific techniques, and Sweep obliges by roaching and sticking her feet in our faces. Your vet might have a recommendation for a PT in your area. I know it's a worrisome and frustrating process, and wish you the best of luck figuring this out.

A lovely tribute to your special girl. I am so sorry for your family's sudden loss. Rest well, Franny.

Welcome and congrats on your new family member! Handsome boy!

Great update!

Oh wow, practically a puppy herself! Precious girl.

What a sweet boy. He has such gorgeous eyes, complete with perfect guy-liner!

Beautiful girl! Love her unique coat. As for age...I'll guess 5?

I got it from Amazon. Sweep has been licking the wound some, but I figure as long as the gel has had a chance to dry/harden first, no real harm done. Apparently the spray has some sort of licking deterrent in it, but like Pam, most people seem to prefer the gel for wound healing. It was looking pretty nasty yesterday but already seems a bit better. She'll definitely have a new scar to add to her collection though.

Jan. Rest in peace, little one.

x2!

Makes sense--thank you!

Okay, thanks! I applied Neosporin with the first bandaging, but when it was still bleeding two hours later I figured I should try the EMT gel. After almost five years I'm still amazed how much these guys can bleed from seemingly minor injuries!

Sweep scraped her hock this morning on the sidewalk. We cleaned and bandaged it but it was still bleeding a couple of hours later, so I applied some EMT gel. I've never used it before. I initially put the gel on, then some gauze squares and vet wrap. Then I got paranoid reading here that the bandage would get glued to the wound, so I took it off (and it was stuck to the fur a little). It's still bleeding slightly but I just put a sheet down on her bed, and so far she's not messing with it. Is it fine to leave it uncovered or should I re-bandage once everything is dry?

I'm so sorry you've lost your beautiful girl, and so suddenly. Rest well, Katie.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry for your sudden loss. Rest well, Riley.

Congrats! Tessie is beautiful.

Step-by-step tail bandaging instructions

I have no advice but want to send my best wishes to you and Buki. He is such a handsome boy.

You've got 'em!

She lives in Kentucky now. ETA: Thought I had her email somewhere but can't find it. Haven't seen her here much lately, but you might be able to reach her through Burpdog's Facebook page, which is still fairly active.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Rest well, sweet Emma--your heart is whole now but your family's is broken. Wishing you all peace and comfort.

Maybe manuka honey and a toddler sock?

Welcome! Polly is beautiful and I'm a big fan of her mama Bea.

Cute name! And I love her little white feet.