Rear leg pain/rush to vet or wait and see?

[Trinitii]

Athena was playing with Loki today and seemed to cry out in pain after sleeping for a few hours. I thought she just over did it with her elbow dysplasia. I fed her night dinner and she wasn't putting weight on the rear right leg. She would set the leg down then pick it back up. I checked for cuts or sores on pad, broken nails, and did manipulations on that leg. She never cried or missed a beat in her panting. She did start putting more weight on it as the time is going by. Should I rush her to the vet or wait a couple days and monitor her? We just had hip x-rays a couple months ago and they were fine.

Trin

[Rott-Wiley]

I would see how she is doing in the morning and if it is still bothering her, get her in to see a vet. She may need an anti-inflamitory to ease the discomfort.

[Patty1231]

My rottie came up limping last week and I came here for advice. I took him to the vet and he was found to have a soft tissue injury and was given a 7-day course of an anti-inflammatory. He's doing much better now. Better safe than sorry.

[Judi W]

Well, it is not the weekend, so I would schedule a vet visit. Particularly when the dog is hesitant to put weight on the leg, it indicates a more thorough examination is in order. Waiting is simply going to put you into the holiday weekend and the more expensive care.

[Trinitii]

Thanks for the advice!

[alexav]

Crossing fingers that it isn't yet another Rottie with an ACL tear.....:(

[chivas]

Not to alarm but osteosarcoma very often manifests itself in just the way you described, no better in 24 hours or worse? Go to vet ASAP and ask for xrays.

[Trinitii]

Well, our vet appointment has been postponed due to emergencies and one of the vets having a baby. Athena is walking and running on the leg again. We are giving her a few rimadyl and if she gets worse again I will take her on emergency. She has an appointment Monday already for adequan and I will ask the vet to check her out then if they dont' see her sooner. If I can't handle the worry I work for another vet clinic and I might just have them take x-rays for us.

Thanks for the thoughts and I will let you know.

Trin

[Judi W]

I would keep her quiet regardless. She needs some time to repair the injury.

[Rott-Wiley]

Yes, definately keep her as quiet as possible. The Rimadyl could mask any pain coming from the injury and things could get worse.

[Trinitii]

Update

Athena's X-rays were fine, drawer test went fine. They believe it was just a pulled ligament or sprain. She is getting better every day and will do a week of rest. All in all I think she is going to be ok :)

Trin

[alexav]

Oh, good! I was hoping you wouldn't have to go down the TPLO path....:)

[Patty1231]

Glad to hear the good news!!