Orthopedic Problems

1 My dog broke her outside toe on her front right foot. My vet wants to amputate the toe. This seems a little drastic. Are there other alternatives?

4 My dog got his toenail caught and pulled off the outside cover. All that is left is a white part with obvious vein. Will the hard cover grow back and should I do anything?

5 I have a dog that will be 13 yrs old in Nov 2002. Is it okay to give him an aspirin once in awhile for his arthritis?

6 Our 9 yr. old Golden Retriever is showing symptoms of arthritis. What treatments are available that would make him more comfortable? Thanks!

11 What "over the counter" medication is best for a dog with arthritis?

12 My 4 year old Rottweiller has a hip that makes a cracking sound when she walks but she is not in pain.

13 My 10 month old Newfoundland has been diagnosed with "pano". She limps around a lot, what can you tell me about this? Is it genetic? When will it go away?

15 I have a 1 year old Pomeranian and he has a luxating patella. Could this heal by itself or does he need to have surgery?

16 What are some ways of treating "Eosinophilic Panosteitis" or 'growing pains' in large breed puppies?

17 I have a 10-month old lab mix puppy who is about 70 lbs. After he plays outside running and jumping when he lays down he cries and growls if you touch his rear hips. What could this be?

18 Do you recommend giving a supplement to a retired racing greyhound in addition to his food? Many have joint aches after their careers are over.

19 I have a lab who is about seven years old. She is having a great deal of trouble trying to stand up, please advise!

20 Is there a cure for hip dysplasia?

22 My 11 year old Old English Sheepdog is having problems with getting up from a nap and climbing the stairs. Some days are better than others, but I am becoming very concerned. Help!

24 Do you have any tips for dogs recovering from ACL surgery?

1 My dog broke her outside toe on her front right foot. My vet wants to amputate the toe. This seems a little drastic. Are there other alternatives? Depending on the severity of the injury and the activity level of your dog that can be a difficult place to get good healing. If your veterinarian has already tried to stabilize the area without success, the removal of the toe might be the next available option. Usually the loss of one toe does not affect balance or function in a dog unless they are a racing or working dog.
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2 I just adopted an adult German Shepard (4 yrs. old give or take) full breed weighing around 80lbs. I am concerned about his joints. He is a male dog, yet urinates like a female. I realize this alone would not merit a serious problem. However, I do notice that he seems a bit sensitive physically, like say someone were to gently push his back side down to encourage him to sit, he makes sounds indicating to me that he may be feeling sore or feeling a hint of pain. Is this a sign of something to come later on in his life, like arthritis or something? If so, what can I do in terms of preventive medicine (vitamins?) or diet to avoid further pain for my dog? It is not uncommon for large breed dogs to have arthritis in their hip joints. Some lines of German Shepherds can be especially prone to hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint that results in arthritis later in life. The best way to diagnose arthritis in your dog would be by radiographs of his hips and spine. If he is already experiencing pain, then it may be necessary to give him pain medication and/or nutritional supplements to help him. As for preventative measures, keeping him from becoming overweight and carrying excess pounds may minimize discomfort. For a definitive diagnosis, a veterinary examination is needed, so I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian.
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3 I have a Rottweiler puppy that is 5 1/2 months old. We got him when he was 5 months old. A week after we got him we noticed a clicking sound coming from his back legs. We took him to the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian said he was growing fast. My puppy is pretty active. He jumps and runs. He does not act like his legs are hurting him at all. He does sleep alot. He is the calmest puppy I have ever seen. My husband had a Rottweiler a few years ago and it was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. So we are really worried. In fast growing large breed puppies, bone disorders related to growth are not uncommon. Diet is important in these fast growing puppies and it is recommended that they be on a food specifically designed for large breed puppies. As for hip dysplasia, it is common in large breed dogs as well. If your dog begins to show signs of lameness, another veterinary examination and possible radiographs would be a good idea.
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4 My dog got his toenail caught and pulled off the outside cover. All that is left is a white part with obvious vein. Will the hard cover grow back and should I do anything? The hard part of the toenail will grow back but it can take quite some time. As it is growing back the exposed nail bed could be painful. It is also a good idea to periodically check the area to be sure it has not gotten infected. If you notice your dog limping or redness and swelling around the toenail then he should be examined by your veterinarian.
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5 I have a dog that will be 13 yrs old in Nov 2002. Is it okay to give him an aspirin once in awhile for his arthritis? Aspirin can be irritating to the stomach of dogs. There are many good medications designed to treat arthritis in dogs and these can greatly improve the quality of life for your senior pet. These medications are more specific for dealing with the pain and inflammation of arthritis than aspirin. A visit to your veterinarian can help sort out the best treatment options for your aging friend.
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6 Our 9 yr. old Golden Retriever is showing symptoms of arthritis. What treatments are available that would make him more comfortable? Thanks! Many dogs will begin to show signs of arthritis as they age. There are different medications on the market that can help ease the pain associated with arthritis. The one that is right for your dog is best discussed with your veterinarian. Moderate daily exercise is also recommended to keep your dog healthy and strong.
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7 My dog is a Husky mix about 6 years old. I rescued her when she was about 1 year old. She has the exuberance of a puppy but it is short lived, she runs out of energy pretty quickly. Also, occasionally she will walk as if her hip is bothering her. Is there something I can feed her to give her more energy and help her hip? A dog may indicate discomfort or show a change in activity levels because she is ill, has arthritis or needs anti-inflammatory medication. Pet food diets are not designed to heal injuries. However, some are formulated to help maintain health and energy in dogs with special needs. Your dog could be showing her age. Purina ONE Senior Protection Formula is scientifically formulated to help support joint health and provides antioxidant rich nutrition to help fight the stresses of aging. She may be having problems if she is overweight, in which case a diet like Purina ONE Healthy Weight Management might be a good choice for her. Also, since you are concerned with your dog's health, I would suggest a visit to your veterinarian to assess the problems and find the appropriate treatment.
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8 My dog who is a 1.5 yr old daschund/cocker mix has been experiencing what seems to be his hind legs falling asleep and having difficulty moving them for a short period of time after he wakes up. Is this normal or could it be a sign of something else more serious? Some dogs with very long backs and short legs can have problems with their spine. Often it may show as weakness in their legs or pain in their back. This may manifest as unwillingness to go up or down stairs, jump onto things or weakness upon waking. Although your dog is young for these types of problems if the signs keep returning then a veterinary visit would be a good idea to determine their cause.
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9 I have an Old English Sheepdog who is 3 1/2 years old. I took him for a walk yesterday evening and on the way home, his back legs kept going down. He was trying to walk but his back leg did not seem to have any strength. He was panting very hard and he just lay down. He took some water but not much. Now this morning he seems fine again. Do you know why this would happen? While it is hard to say without examining your dog, it is possible that he has some orthopedic problem. It is not uncommon for Old English Sheepdogs to have hip dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects their hip joints. Over time the joint becomes looser than normal and may develop arthritis. Prolonged exercise, even walking may result in pain and that could be why your dog was panting and unwilling or unable to walk further. A veterinary visit and possible radiographs would help to diagnose the problem and are highly recommended.
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10 We have a 12 yr old St. Bernard. All is great with him, except now he has a very hard time getting up to walk and after a short time his right back paw turns under and he is walking on the top and then his left will do the same. I have tried wrapping with ace bandage, Velcro, etc. Again all is well with him in terms of body functions. He sure tries to play etc. What can I do? Is there a device to buy? Greatly appreciate your time and assistance. It would not be unusual for a 12 year old St. Bernard to have arthritis in one or more areas. The commonly affected joints in large dogs include the hips and knees. Both of these joints are needed to help him get up and keep his paws in the correct position. Often medication can help ease the discomfort and increase mobility. A visit to your veterinarian should help to determine in which joints the problem exists and then prescribe appropriate medication.
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11 What "over the counter" medication is best for a dog with arthritis? Arthritis is a common problem seen in older pets. However, dogs do not necessarily respond to medication the same way a human does. Therefore, you should never give your dog an over the counter product without an examination and advice from your veterinarian. As for treating your dog's arthritis, there are many good medications available that can eliminate the pain and give your dog a better quality of life. Please check with your veterinarian for the best treatment for your pet.
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12 My 4 year old Rottweiller has a hip that makes a cracking sound when she walks but she is not in pain. If your dog's joints make noise when she moves, there may well be some arthritis or displacement. Dogs are very good at hiding pain and may not limp or change their behavior until the pain becomes quite severe. It would be prudent to schedule a veterinary visit to check her hip. This might include both a physical examination and some radiographs to check for arthritis or other problems.
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13 My 10 month old Newfoundland has been diagnosed with "pano". She limps around a lot, what can you tell me about this? Is it genetic? When will it go away? Your dog might have Panosteitis, a self-limiting but painful condition of fast growing medium to large breed dogs. The lameness may affect only one leg, or may shift from leg to leg and can be variable in intensity. At the present time there is no proven genetic transmission. Diagnosis is usually through radiographs which show the changes in the bones. Some affected dogs may develop other juvenile orthopedic diseases at a later time. Treatment is usually directed at relieving pain and decreasing inflammation but has no effect on the duration of the disease which can be from a few days to even months.
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14 My Welsh Corgi is 14 yrs-11 months old. She is still pretty active. She never whines or cries, but she pants a lot and her legs sometimes give out on her at times. She is not overweight, never has been. She does not appear to be in much discomfort. She is a little stiff when she gets up from sleeping. How can I tell if she is in pain? It is very likely for 14 year old dogs to have some arthritis in their joints. Dogs often do not show pain in the way we might expect. Panting, decreased activity and her legs giving out are all signs that she may be experiencing some discomfort. Please speak to your veterinarian as soon as possible. There are so many wonderful options available to control pain in dogs. She may prescribe one that would be appropriate for your dog.
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15 I have a 1 year old Pomeranian and he has a luxating patella. Could this heal by itself or does he need to have surgery? A luxating patella can vary from those that are mild to ones that are severe. The cause is often anatomical; things are not aligned properly or the muscles are exerting a pull on the patella causing it to move sideways. It is one of the most common joint abnormalities in dogs and most common in toy and miniature breeds such as the Pomeranian. It will not heal on it's own, but can be managed in some cases depending on the severity of the problem. Often the disease is "graded" to help determine severity. Luxating patellas graded I and some graded II are often treated as outpatients, but those that are graded III and IV usually require surgery as do some graded II. Your veterinarian would be in the best position to determine what would be best for your dog.
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16 What are some ways of treating "Eosinophilic Panosteitis" or 'growing pains' in large breed puppies? The lameness associated with Panosteitis usually affects the front legs, but can shift from leg to leg. Limited activity helps lessen the pain but may not effect the length of the disease. The pain and lameness may last for several weeks. Most treatment is focused on minimizing pain and decreasing inflammation. Anti-inflammatory medications are usually the treatment given by the veterinarian. At no time should you attempt to treat your dog yourself without a diagnosis and prescription from your veterinarian.
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17 I have a 10-month old lab mix puppy who is about 70 lbs. After he plays outside running and jumping when he lays down he cries and growls if you touch his rear hips. What could this be? Even at a young age some dogs already are beginning to show signs of joint disease. Hip dysplasia is a common problem in Labrador Retrievers and in some cases can begin quite early. Beginning signs often include lameness, pain and even irritability after exercise. A veterinary examination and radiographs would help determine the problem. Various surgical procedures are available to help minimize the degeneration and decrease the pain. Together you and your veterinarian can decide what is best for your dog.
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18 Do you recommend giving a supplement to a retired racing greyhound in addition to his food? Many have joint aches after their careers are over. Many older dogs do experience arthritis in one or more of their joints. While supplements may be appropriate for some dogs many of them need medication for pain control. Often radiographs are necessary to confirm osteoarthritis and determine which joints are most affected. Your veterinarian has many wonderful medications available that can ease the aches and pains of arthritis and would help decide what would be best for your dog.
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19 I have a lab who is about seven years old. She is having a great deal of trouble trying to stand up, please advise! When dogs are unable to stand they could have several different problems. If they have had arthritis in the past, they may be experiencing an acute episode of pain. If they are very active, they could have injured themselves either by spraining muscles or ligaments. If the dog was left outside unattended, more serious injuries are possible, including broken bones. If the problem is severe, the dog should be examined immediately by a veterinarian.
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20 Is there a cure for hip dysplasia? Hip dysplasia is a developmental defect that results in malformation and degeneration of the hip joint. It is most common in large breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Rottweilers. Signs can vary greatly depending on the degree of joint laxity and pathology. Some animals can be treated conservatively with pain management, others do best with surgical corrections. Various types of surgeries are available. A veterinary surgeon can examine your dog, take radiographs and then help you determine the best treatment option for your dog.
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21 My dog Koko has been limping the past week. I believe she may have sprained her foot. This has happened before and has gone away on its own in 2 or 3 days but this time it seems to be getting worse. She whimpers a little when I squeeze her foot (gently of course). Is there something I can do as far as bandaging or hot or cold compresses? When a dog has a sprain or mild muscle injury they usually improve in a few days. If the discomfort is ongoing a more serious problem could be present. A dog has many bones in the foot which could be fractured. In other situations it may appear as if the foot is injured, but the injury actually may be further up the limb. The best way to determine where the problem is and how to treat it would be a veterinary visit and possibly radiographs.
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22 My 11 year old Old English Sheepdog is having problems with getting up from a nap and climbing the stairs. Some days are better than others, but I am becoming very concerned. Help! It is not uncommon for older, large breed dogs to have osteoarthritis in one or more joints. The hip joints are most commonly affected and cause a dog considerable discomfort. Fortunately there are now some wonderful medications available to ease the pain and increase mobility. A veterinary visit would be a first step to assess the reason for the difficulty walking. Radiographs may be necessary to determine which joints are affected. Then, your veterinarian can determine the best pain management protocol for your pet.
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23 I have a 9 month old Rott/Lab mix, he is 100 lbs. Lately when he gets up he limps on his two front legs, and after a little while, he is OK. Is this something to worry about? Or just growing pains? He seems OK with everything else. It is not uncommon for fast growing large breed dogs to experience orthopedic problems. What used to be called "growing pains" are often inflammatory processes in the bone that can be treated. To keep him from being uncomfortable and possibly doing damage to his bone development a veterinary visit is a good idea. Your veterinarian may take radiographs to attempt to diagnose the problem so that she can prescribe appropriate treatment.
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24 Do you have any tips for dogs recovering from ACL surgery? When a dog has surgery it is extremely important to follow all the recommendations of your veterinarian exactly. Usually after an orthopedic procedure a dog should be kept quiet and have minimal activity to avoid injury to the surgical site. It also may be necessary to walk your dog on a leash for exercise and elimination under controlled circumstances.
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25 We will be getting a newBlack Lab puppy soon. The Chocolate Lab we currently have has bad hips. The breeder of the new puppy suggests we get Purina for large breeds. Is there such a brand? The breeder of the Black Lab says he believes some types of foods may cause hip problems. Purina ONE has a large breed puppy food. The idea behind food specifically for large breed dogs is to control their rate of growth and weight gain to have lean and healthy dogs. Hip Dysplasia is a developmental condition that is initiated by a genetic predisposition. The expression of hip dysplasia is determined by both environmental and genetic factors. So, the proper diet, exercise and weight control can help to some degree in predisposed dogs.
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26 I took my Yellow Lab for a run with me as I rode my bike. When we returned home I noticed that his paws skin had been removed because he ran on the pavement and street. (He is an inside dog and is only used to carpet and the grass of our backyard.) What may I do for him to help the pain and help his paws heal? Also, how can I prevent this from happening again? Your question brings up an important point about exercising our pets. While exercise is good, be sure that your dog is used to the level of activity that you are planning on doing. In this case, the dog was not used to running on hard surfaces and although he probably went willingly he ended up damaging his feet. If the feet are quite raw and bloody a veterinary visit is needed to treat the area and possibly start antibiotics. Once they have healed and if you wish to take him running again you must begin a conditioning program of short runs to get him used to the conditions before attempting a long outing.
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