cocker hind leg problem

Question
QUESTION: What might it be? No known injury.  Doesn't seem to bother him when you squeeze the leg or paw area.  He won't put weight on  it and it gives out on him.  he does have a growth  on back area, thinking it may be a tick, would this cause paralysis?  I squeeze the growth and usually a core come out with blood, may just be a cyst.  Any ideas. Riley is 6 would he have arthritis, this injury came on him sudden and is  been going on for about 3 weeks, seemed to be on the mend then went for a run with hubby and he is back to square 1.

ANSWER: Riley needs a vet to look at this growth.  By squeezing it you can cause it to become infected so I do hope you disinfected the area afterwards.  The vet can just aspirate it and easily find out what it is.

You say the leg injury was getting better but the hard exercise brought it back.  It may be as simple as not giving it enough time to really heal and then introducing on-leash exercise slowly.
Your vet could do an x-ray and see what's really going on there.

At age 6 I'd be starting Riley on Cosequin though.
Delores

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

QUESTION: what is cosequin?   If there is no problem with the hind leg being pulled, squeezed etc...do you think the lameness may becaused neurologically.  e.i. paralysis.  i am  taking him to the vet as soon as I can get him in. They are not open until th emorning.  is arthritus something often found in a cocker of this age???  are cpckers prone to this type of ailment???

Answer
Dogs can hurt themselves (a strain, sprain, bruise) just as we can.  No, I don't think it's neurological because it was getting better until he overdid things.

Cosequin is glucosamine which keeps the bones "cushioned".  It's what most vets recommend and having done the research, it is the best product.  And cheaper to order online than buying from the vet.  At age 6 he's approaching being a senior dog and that's the time to start.

Don't let the vet give you an NSAID (Rimadyl/Metacam).  They are very hard on a dog's liver.
If you think Riley is in pain, I'd try some DogGonePain which is an herbal pain reliever.
PetSmart (I believe) now carries it - or order online.  Start with 1/4 pill and work up.

But if this is a sprain/strain you really want this to heal and if it doesn't hurt at all, he'll over do and it won't get better.  Kind of a judgement call there.  But you can give it and make sure he gets only gentle on leash exercise for a month.  And limit jumping on couches or beds.
This sort of thing can take quite awhile to heal.
Delores