Monday, October 25, 2010

The Limp

Coulee's limp is really more like a hitch.  That is, if it even exists!  Sometimes I think I see it and then seconds later I don't.  I'm not sure if I am imagining things or if her gait was never as smooth as I think it was.  It just seems off... sometimes.  Sigh.

I can see her leash walks are starting to not work. And by work, I mean enough exercise to keep the edge off her.  We just got back from one and she is all over Lacey.  When she is in this mood, it isn't so much play as bullying.  It is usually the sign I use to get off my butt and give them a run. When I don't work in the mornings, I can usually last until about 9 a.m. before the bad behaviour starts.

But technically she's already had that run already, it just wasn't actually a run.

Thanks for all your suggestions!  I looked at her toenails - great idea!  They are all perfect.  :(  I'm not sure about a disease from ticks.  Where we live, Lyme's isn't an issue but I know the ticks are carriers in the mountains and we did go into these areas a few times this summer.  I never saw a single tick on either the girls or us this summer.  But that doesn't mean there wasn't one.  I'll definitely look into this.

I am most worried that it is a strain or sprain.  (Well that is not true, I'm most worried that it is bone cancer but I think that is over reacting.... but I still can't stop thinking about it).  If it is a strain or sprain, there isn't any point in going to the vet because I know what they are going to say.  Rest it.  And I'm doing that - to the best of my ability.  My sanity needs some relief though, so we are still going out walking.

I'm going to give it another week and see what the reduced activity and glucosamine does and then go from there.

4 comments:

onecollie said...

not to worry, but I never did see a tick on Tate, & he still got infected with the lymes bacteria.
It's a simple blood test that also checks for heartworm if you decide to check it out.

Megan said...

Bailey has been visiting a rehab specialist since June now. We're almost to the point of adding activity back in. Her rehab plan has been stretching (active and passive) as well as rest. Tons and tons of rest. Do you have any reliable rehab vets in the area?

Kristy said...

I wish I had suggestions for you, but I'm really not sure what to say about it. I think you're doing the right thing though, and then just take it from there. I'm sure you'll get it figured out - and try not to stress too much:) (Easier said than done, I know:)

Blazingstar said...

I hope that Coulee gets better soon, for her sake and for your sanity! Hopefully it's just a soft tissue injury that will go away with some rest. While I'm not a huge fan of metacam, it can be very useful in taking down inflammation and helping dogs recover from injuries. Just the same way humans would use ibuprofen for a back injury or something like that.