Lab leg problem

Question
QUESTION: My 3 year old lab visited the vet for an eye issue, and it was discovered she has mild arthritis.  Yesterday afternoon, she had problems walking on her right rear leg.  Dragging her toes and unable to straighten the leg?  I mention the 'mild arthritis' because I can't see how that could be the problem?  We live in a warm climate and have not had a cold snap, although it is starting to cool down a little.  She has not injured herself to my knowledge - she runs and chases a ball - but she's attended during those times.
This morning it is worse.  She did not appear to get off of her dog bed last night.  I helped her in the house for breakfast - and her leg was dragging behind her and awkwardly trying to follow the others.  Again, she is not seeming to bend it and the actual foot is dragging with top of foot on ground.  
I'd love a technique or something to check before going to the vet as I wasn't very pleased with the last visit.

Thank You so much.

ANSWER: Mild arthritis will not cause a dog to drag her leg. Having a spinal problem will however, as will nerve damage in her hip. Most often this is something related to the spine. What she is has is a problem with proprioception- that is, she cannot feel her foot and possibly her leg and thus she is not lifting and 'planting' her foot properly. Anything from irritation of the spinal cord to a tumor or injury can cause this. Viruses can also cause problems.

This is a very serious problem and coming on so acutely worries me. She needs to be seen again and if you are unhappy with your vet then call another one. You have the right to be happy with the person caring for your dog.

She needs an xray done of her spine and something done before this becomes permanent or she damages her foot. We have seen dogs drag a foot until there was no foot left.
There is nothing you can do at home except call around for a new vet. But don't wait.
If she has an actual spinal injury the faster you get her in the better her chances are of recovery.
I hope she recovers quickly. Please let me know what you find.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your prompt response.  We did take her to the vet today.  X-Ray showed a beautiful spine - very mild early stage hip dysplasia - but nothing to account for leg problem.  While getting to the vet, she began knuckling her right front leg too.  So - vet has put her on prednisone and ordered a blood test for possible thyroid issue?  We're really hoping that's what it is.  If it is not thyroid (she does have dandruff and mild hair loss too) then the only other thing could be a tumor?  This would also explain her eyes having an episode and bulging?  Problem is - we live in a very small town and the vet will not diagnose nor treat if it's anything but the thyroid.  What are the chances of a tumor being treated?  Is that brain surgery?  *Sigh*.  She also hasn't gone to the bathroom now in 15 hours.  We keep taking her out and walking slowly - but she can't seem to squat.

Answer
This does sound bad Elizabeth. The chances of it being a tumor have greatly increased since you mentioned the eye bulging. Again, I cannot diagnose anything and I also live in a small town. But you can get a referral to a larger vet practice that could do an ultrasound or c-t scan of her head.

We have seen hundreds of thyroid dogs and I have never seen one knuckle over. That sounds like a CNS issue (central nervous system).

Unfortunately labs are prone to nasty cancers of all types. Is he thinking this is hyperthyroidism? Because these are not the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

The prednisone is going to make her have to pee so badly that she just may wet where she lies since she can barely walk. You might want to put a big waterproof tablecloth or pad under her.

I wish you the best- please let me know how this progresses.