dogs leg

Question
My American Eskimo is having a problem with her right back leg. She will be acting normal then while walking she will yip and start holding her leg off of the ground. On one occasion she lost control of all legs and fell to the ground, after a few minutes she got up and seemed fine. Taking her to the vet tomorrow any suggestions on what he should check for?

Answer
Hi Deb,
I'm glad you are taking your dog to the Vet because you are going to need a professional to deterimine the cause of this. It may be hip dysplasia. This is more common in larger breed dogs. This is an inherited condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together as tightly as it should.  It is very painful when a dog has muscle spasm. If you feel your dog is in pain, then it is safe to give him aspirin. (NEVER give aspirin to cats,it is fatal to felines.)  Give 1/4 of a 325mg buffered aspirin tablet per 10lbs, twice a day. Dogs can live long lives with this problem, and there are surgical options.  Your Vet can determine if it actually is hip dysplasia. I wish you the very best.  

God Bless,
Becky

God Bless,
Becky