Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 2/27/2009

Question
My 10 year old labordor/australian shepard mix started about an hour ago acting strangly.  I called him for dinner and he did not come.  I brought his food up to him and he barely ate.  Then I noticed that he kept circling the living room, limping and almost falling.  I called him over to me and checked out his paws and found nothing.  He just kept circling to the right in front of me and banging into furniture.  I asked my daughter to go across the room and call him.  He went over to her limping and slipping. As she pet him he just groaned.  Should I pack up the kids and take him to the emergency vet or can it wait until tomorrow afternoon?  If it can wait what are some further danger signs to look for to prompt me to take him to the emergency vet?

Answer
Lisa -

The sooner you get help for your dog, the easier it will be on his body and the easier for him to heal.  Call the emergency vet's office and tell them the symptoms. Ask the doctor if  they recommend that you bring your dog in to be examined or if they recommend that you wait until the morning.  

I would recommend that you take your dog in for an examination, but talk with the emergency vet and get a  response from them.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM