dogs broken foot

Question
We got a long haired chihuahua from the rescue center yesterday. They said that she is 8 years old though I think she is older than that because of cataracts and grey hair.

She was either born crippled or injured in the past because her foot appears to be broken. She walks with it flopping to the side, stepping on the ankle bones to support her weight.

Is their anything a vet could do at this point, with an old injury? What can we do to assist her at this point?

Also, she has a fatty lump in the mid stomach area near the skin. Any suggestions on that.

One last thing. She won't eat the dry seniors dog food that she came with.

We are new to dogs. Please help.
Susan

Answer
It is very difficult to answer the lameness issue without actually seeing the dog in this particular case. It is not likely, whether it is an old injury or a congenital deformity, that there is anything that could be done surgically at this point. You really should have her evaluated by a vet for this problem.They will probably recommend that the lump you described be aspirated to make sure it is benign.
As far as her diet, she may just be stressed about her new surroundings and it may take her a day or so to start eating. If she does not then there are lots of other commercial dog foods you can try.
Dr. G.