Doberman pain in the leg

[smallfidget]

Somebody help me!!!

I am a doctor myself - but an allopathic human doctor.

My doberman 5 yrs of age, previously healthy, has developed pain in the left leg. The pain seems to be localised above the elbow joint, however, I am unable to localise it. Maybe it is in the hip joint. There is no history of blunt injury..but the pain is not subsiding for 6 wks now. It worsens when he wakes up after sleep...although he does not cry...he limps. He plays for an hour daily with the frisbee inspite of limping. He is unable to place body weight on the leg...so he is a bit twisted.

He is very active otherwise.

Local vets seem to just fleece money...that's it!

Kindly advise.

 

[Renee750il]

He really needs to have that hip X-rayed. It could be something as simple as a dislocation, or it could be the onset of hip dysplasia, arthritis or even a broken bone or sprained muscle. The problem with diagnosing without an X-ray is that he can't tell you anything specific like a human patient presumably can.

Is there any heat emanating from the area?

Ask other dog owners about vets. Also, if you got your dog from a reputable breeder he or she can give you helpful advice in your search for a competent, caring veterinarian. If your dog came from a rescue, check with them. Often, rescues have vets that work with them, and you have to figure that it's a pretty good bet that a veterinarian who helps with rescue isn't just after money.

Please do find a vet and get some help for your Dobie, though. Even if it's something as simple as a dislocation, it needs to be addressed. He's in pain.

You can give enteric coated aspirin - and only aspirin - for pain. Under no circumstances give your dog Tylenol or anything containing acetominophen, naproxin sodium drugs, or anything but old fashioned aspirin.

And let us know how he fares, please.

 

[smallfidget]

Dear Renee,

First of all, thank you.

To be frank, while posting I was very sceptical as to whether anyone would reply (as I have no experience in dog forums). I am overwhelmed by your reply.

Coming to the problem of pain in Virat's leg (my dobie)...

I had taken him to a vet who just had the below elbow part x-rayed...was normal...I saw it and analysed personally too. However, as highlighted by you - the hip x-ray was not done and neither did the conditions you mentioned in your post strike to me. Yes, human docs do seem to differ a lot from vets. I just hope its nothing like dysplasia or arthritis...since he works (plays) a lot!!!! (about 2-3 kms running daily + sniffing out things) - he is obsessed with play and early retirement is not an option for neither him nor me. In short he is my brother !!

I had taken him from Russia (originally the dogs parents are from Germany), now I live in Asia. He is a pure breed pedigree dog - champion with medals.

I have tried flexion and extension along the joint movements...there is no problem or discomfort (I get to know when there is any). Per se, there seem to be no signs of inflammation (heat emanation) either.

I had given him diclofenac pills with success as per the suggestions of a vet, some time ago. Now I plan to stick with aspirin and only aspirin.

As suggested by you, I have arranged for an appointment tomorrow with an intelligent, competent and caring vet through my "connections".

I shall keep you posted of his remarks and outcome of the appointment.

Yours sincerely,
Dr Vishu

 

[sheltiepups]

I have no advice for you but I hope you figure out what that problem soon! Good luck and pictures would be great!

 

[Maverick]

Any updates with this case? I have a similar situation and would like to hear how other dogs have fared and what the course of action was... let me know. Thank you

 

[Doberluv]

With a Doberman, I would be worrying about osteosarcoma. I would definitely get a vet to check for that as well as musculoskeletal problems. I do hope he'll be OK.