We're parents to our second GH. We lost our first boy at the age of nine to a sudden onset of hemangiosarcoma. It was a numbing one month roller coaster of one month from diagnosis to his passing. Luckily, there was very little discomfort and drama. We were graced with our second GH two years ago - a small, sweet, well-adjusted, confident girl. She arrived very ill - babesia, giardia and in the last year we've had to contend with SLO. We monitor her very carefully but she seems to be in remission. She's almost five years old and other than SLO is healthy, happy and content.
Now, about a month ago she developed a momentary front left limp only apparent after sedentary, non-activity. The strange thing is that the limp is apparent for a minute or so but after ambulation, the limp subsides and she seems to be fine. She's never been crazy active but is eager to walk, play and acts normally except momentary soreness when she arises from inactivity. She walks fine on asphalt, hard surfaces, etc.
When it appeared three weeks ago, we had an appt with her internist for her usual SLO check and she checked for corns and other issues and as the limp is not apparent when she's out and about, was unable to determine the problem and suggested early onset of arthritis or tissue/muscle trauma. A few days later and with the dreaded OS in the forefront, we had her affected leg and shoulder x-rayed by our local vet and the results were inconclusive. After another week, armed with the x-rays and a video of her limp, we consulted an osteopath and after palpating, poking and twisting, he couldn't see anything on the x-rays and was unable to provide a diagnosis. He did mention that OS may not present itself in early stages but suggested arthritis or tissue/muscle damage and quiet rest, short walks and a revisit. He didn't recommend any pain/NSAIDs as the pain is episodic.
If it's tissue/muscle trauma, after three weeks, we would expect a change but the limp remains. She was retired three years ago at the age of two after exhibiting soreness but no exact description of where and how bad. And until now never saw any evidence of a limp/soreness. She did break two toes; one on the affected foot.
We've read most of the threads discussing unsolved limps but are we at a point where we should consider other diagnostics; additional x-rays, MRIs, etc? Hopefully this isn't a precursor of something more serious. TIA!