My doxie limps

[LoveDoxies]

Sadie, our youngest doxie limps almost daily.  It started out slowly.  She would occasionally skip a step when she walked.  She would just pull up her hind leg and carry it for an extra step.  Then she started doing this almost daily.  On top of that, she now chews on her hind legs like they are hurting her.  Now she pretty much skips/limps every day.   :scratch:

I took her to the vet a while back but she was so tense that they couldn't feel anything wrong with her.  They couldn't calm her down enough to take an x-ray.  So they gave me an RX of rimadyl.  I was supposed to keep her confined for two weeks (yeah right ) and give her rimadyl every day.  The vet thought she might have pulled a muscle in her knee area.

Since doxies are prone to back issues, I'm concerned that this might be the first sign of a back problem.  I haven't been back to that vet.

Does anyone out there have a doxie that skips steps and also chews on the same leg that it skips with?

What's the best way to diagnose if she has a back problem?  Wouldn't she need an MRI instead of an Xray?  What are your thoughts on rimadyl?  (I've heard bad things like liver failure as a side effect)   

Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Sadie's mom

[Kathleen]

The fact that she's chewing it makes me think you're right-a back problem could be possible.  The only reason I say that is that spinal trauma can cause tingling in the limbs, so that might be why she's bothered by it.   One of the people more experienced with back issues will be along, I'm sure to help you with your other questions, but I do suggest joining Dodger's List if you suspect back injury-they have a list of the signs and what to do. 

http://www.dodgerslist.com/

[JetEd73]

I've not had this problem with my dogs but I'm tellin ya now.

cage the dog and find a more qualified vet.... be at their office ASAP.  your looking for an orthopedic specialist, hopefully someone that has done lots and lots of dachshunds.

[JetEd73]

http://www.dodgerslist.com/faq.htm

   1.   Always crate your dog whenever you suspect a back problem. It is always better to be safe then sorry. Crating will help keep the dog from further injury. The crate should be 1.5 x 2.5 the lenth of the dog. The dog should stay in the crate 24/7. Carried to and from potty place. Stand in one spot. Dog may only take minimal steps the harness and 6' leash allow.
   2. Dog MUST be under care of a vet. Don't wait... and if you lack confidence in your vet or seem to be getting nowhere, don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion or better yet a referral to a specialist (neuro or surgeon). It is better to have an unnecessary consultation with a vet neurosurgeon, then to not have one soon enough. Our advice is to get to a specialist if at all possible.
   3. Board-certified neuros and ortho surgical specialists:
      http://www.acvim.org/Specialist/Search.aspx
      http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/DiplomateDirectory/
   4. The first 48-72 hours are critical for decision making. Time is of the essence especially if your dog is totally down with no deep pain sensation. The last best chance for a good surgical outcome is within a window 12-48 hours from loosing the last of neuro functions: deep pain sensation.
   5. We recommend a variety of supplements and holistic remedies, none of which are "guaranteed" to work....but surgery is not *guaranteed* either. These things have worked for some of our members in the past, and are often worth trying. .
   6. You must be honest and open with your vet about everything you are giving your dog: food AND supplements. This is to avoid any possible side effects caused by interaction of any of those substances. Your vet MUST be made aware of what you are doing, even if it seems insignificant to you.
   7. If you notice any licking or if your dog starts looking at toes or limbs like he's just been stung, get an E collar on ASAP, since it could be the nerves trying to reconnect. This gives the dog "tingles" and it is possible he may try to chew his limbs or at the spot where it is tingling. Be sure to call your vet (specialist preferred) and discuss if medication such as neruontin should be given. This can be a very dangerous and life-threatening situation.

[JetEd73]

any news?

[LoveDoxies]

Sadie is fine.  It's most likely just a luxated patella.  We are going to treat with joint supplements for 6 weeks.  If we don't see significant improvement after that, we will take her to a specialist for further consultation.

Thanks for all your input and concern.

frlsgirl