My Dog has started to limp

Question
Hello,
My Sassy, a brilliant 6 year old border collie who is every bit her name, has started to limp in the past month. The limp is on the front paw and has come back twice (not permanent but has lasted longer each time). She's always been extremely solid - so this really worries me. We've been spending a lot of time up at the cottage of late - she's a great listner and extremely friendly, so we don't need to have her on a leash up at the cottage. I'm worried that she might of hurt herself in the woods one weekend (she usually sticks to us like glue but will go off exploring for a few minutes at a time (we're nowhere near any roads). The first time she started limping I iced her and the limp went away in about 48 hours but you can tell that ever since she hasn't been as puppy like and has become a little more cautious at play. This last weekend I was playing fetch with her and on about the 3rd throw she brought the stick back limping. She let me check her paw and I didn't find any cuts or anything. So I tested the join and the foot leg she was limping on seemed even more flexible then her "good" front leg. I'm so worried about my baby because the leg is now visibly swelling - I'm seriously thinking about bringing her straight to our vet. She seems so sad but isn't complaining - she gets up to follow me outside but was not nearly as exited as she usual is about this morning's walk. She always wants to please me! I'm so worried. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for her.

Answer
Barbara:  she needs to see the vet ASAP.  You need to see if there is a small break.  It not, then it may be arthritis... Either way, go to the vet today.
Let me know what the vet says...OK?
Good Luck



Marie Of The Doggie Chalet Hotel
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