Favoring one foot

[baileysmomma]

Hi,
My 7 yr old F Bischon jumped down off our couch (not a long jump) this evening. She immediatley started wimpering, whining and now won't put any weight on her right hind leg. When she walks she holds it up and won't step down on it.
She has done this a couple of other times before, but not when she has got down off the couch, but when she runs really fast through the house showing off or once when she jumped up on the door to see outside, when she stepped back down she did the same thing.
I'm not sure if it could be arthritis or a joint problem. I have an appt tomorrow morning with the vet, but wanted to know your all's thoughts on what this condition might be. Any advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Frenchy]

Hard to say, but I often get older fosters , if they run too much or play too hard, limping can happen in the evenings but it gets better after a good night sleep. And even better with regular exercise (they are often too big) Is she on glucosamine ? Might be good for her.

[baileysmomma]

No glucosomin (sp?) but I will ask the vet about it tomorrow also. Thanks for your reply. She's our only daughter and I'm very protective of her. I just hate it when she hurts and I can't do anything for her. Hopefully, the vet will! thanks again.

[hazelrunpack]

The vet may also check her for a luxating patella (loose kneecap) or ACL damage. I knew two bichons who had patella problems--one eventually required surgery, the other's condition was manageable and surgery wasn't required.

Glucosamine/chondroitin is a wonderful thing for joint problems if she's got arthritis! Most of our dogs have responded quite well to it.

Good luck at the vet tomorrow! I hope she's 100% again soon!

[rainbow]

I agree with Hazel. It sounds like it's either a loose kneecap (luxating patella) or ligament ( ACL - Anterior Cruciate Ligament) damage. Glad you are going to the vet torrow. Good luck and keep us posted.