Limping - What to do?

[Sara]

Today we went hiking on one of of our many bike paths and as has been our habit these last few weeks, we practiced being off leash. Lady, unfortunately, was completely atrocious, which is not normal for her. Anyway, she wouldn't come back when called and took off into a gully.

When we got home, everyone took long naps and when she woke up, I noticed she's limping. Her front right paw seems to be bothering her. I always check them over for burs and such when we get home and removed quite a few from her today, the little wench, but a second looksee confirms the paw is clear.

She's limping and definitely favoring that paw, but she's not really less active. Do I go to the emergency vet, who'll charge me $50 to unlock the door, or wait til Monday? I don't know what to do. Obviously her health comes before money but if this is just a bruised paw or something a vet can't do much about, I sure don't have the money to waste.

Help.

Sara
Proudly owned by Lady and Bear

[MARYDVM]

As a vet on call for New Years, I would say rest for 24-48 hrs. (crated if needed to slow her down). The only injury that could be harmed by waiting is a fracture, and it doesn't sound like that's a concern in this case.

[CarolineS]

What can I say...a professional has already answered you I just wanted to add that one day my dog was playing with another and they both jumped on and off a low stone wall, a few times, onto a concrete driveway. Maggie had a slight limp on the way home. Since she'd been completely sound when she arrived, I surmised she may have bruised the pad of her foot. She was fine in a few days. Your dog may have done the same thing on rocks in the gully.

[Sara]

Mary and Caroline,

Thank you thank you thank you thank you! I ran to the store and got her some stuffable bones and other "be still" type toys to keep her relatively mellow. Thanks so much or putting my mind at ease.

Sara
Proudly owned by Lady and Bear