The vet say's that my Labrador may have deformed front paws that could be becoming arthritic. She limps quite badly but doesn't appear to be in any pain, has anybody heard of this problem ?
Hi awb and welcome to the forum! Sorry to hear about your dog's paws. I can't help you. Does the vet think she isn't in pain? Dogs don't necessarily show us their pain. Is she limping because her range of movement is restricted or because it hurts? Did the vet give you any options for treatment? There's bound to be someone with some experience shortly. The best of luck for your girl.
Hi awb and welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear that your dog may have deformed paws. How old is your dog? As the owner of a young dog (14 months) with Elbow Dysplasia, I would say that if your dog is limping she is in pain, it's one of the few ways we sometimes know as many dogs are stoic and do not display pain in any other way. Is your vet advising medication to reduce inflammation or diet modification to help?
Hello and a warm welcome, really sorry to hear about your dog, I'm with MaccieD on this one I have a 8 month old Labrador diagnosed with Elbow Dysplasia. In my opinion limping and stiffness is a sign they are uncomfortable to some degree. Our Labradors are tough little creatures and sometimes it's so difficult to spot the signs of pain. Did you see an orthopaedic vet?
Hi and welcome I'm afraid that limping does mean that it is painful for your dog to walk.... If you can tell us more information about your dog that would be great
I would seek a second opinion personally. My Cavalier Misty is 9 years old, and her paws have been getting more and more deformed, she started limping on and off, limping one day, fine for the next week. Sunday she started limping, and this time it didn't go away, she's now on an Nsaid for arthritis, we're hoping this will help will help her, she's already on a long term painkiller for another condition. I think any animal that is visibly limping is in pain, so please don't accept that your girl isn't. I left a vets practice​ 3 years ago as they were dismissing the fact that I thought my dog was in pain, and need to see a specialist. After a 10 minute consultation with another vet I had a referral, it turned out Misty had Syringomyelia. My point is vets can get it wrong. Let us know how she gets on
limping = pain dont be fooled they are stoical creatures and will put up with unbelievable stuff before they allow you to see their pain.
Thank you very much for all you replies I now realise my dog " Molly " must be in pain although she doesn't appear to show it. I have to take her back to the vet next week hopefully she can get some medication to help her.
My Lab was x-rayed a couple of days ago and had very bad arthritis in his left paw due to a fractured elbow when a pup. The vet is trying laser therapy which is new to the practice, which will mean we won't have to go down the route of medication.
Thanks again for your replies,I took Molly back to the vet yesterday to get her paws X rayed and it seems she has rheumatoid arthritis which will progressively get worse. Have to go back next week and they will give her steroids which may help.
Sorry to hear the news,hopefully steroids will help. It might be a good idea to ask the vet about diet and supplements that might help. My girl, who is 14 months, has ED and at risk of osteoarthritis so she is on a prescription diet with supplements and her weight is strictly managed. So far, so good.
Sorry to hear about the diagnosis, but at least you know what the story is now and can help her with medication and so on.
Sorry to hear the bad news. I hope your vet is able to help, and you can keep her comfy. Stacia - also sorry to hear your Lab has problems with arthritis, I missed that earlier. Poor Lad.
Hi there - I hope the vet can get find a good treatment. In humans it is really important to treat RA really early with potent immune suppressing drugs (such as methotrexate) to stop the inflammation that causes permanent joint damage. Steroids help short term but have long term consequences. Hoping you have something positive to do about this and its not to late to take a preventative approach rather than just fire-fighting.
I'm totally with Jacqui ask your vet about things like methotrexat, hopefully you can prevent further damage.
My 11 yr old lab has recently been diagnosed with arthritis in his paws. They are deformed - but this is not helped by the fact that he has allergies and so keeps licking/biting at them (but that is another long and ongoing saga!). The vet said that he may be tempted to lick them even more as time goes on because dogs with arthritis in their paws often lick at them if they hurt. She said she doesn't think he's in much pain as yet (and there's no sign of any limping) - but she says she may considering trying laser therapy if the paws seem to become problematic. Supplements for joints may be helpful - but because he has other conditions going on we have to be so careful what he is given. Same with anti-inflammatories.
awb When I first read your post I was hoping it was nothing serious, so sorry to read that it is. Fingers crossed the vet can help make sure she's kept comfortable. X
