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Expert: - 11/1/2010


Question
Hi. Jess my 2.5yr old labrador chased a ball on the weekend and as she was sliding to the ball she went down in a howling mess. She could not stand up and has not been able to stand on her back right leg since. The xrays show no breakage at any bones. The vet has her on anti-inflammatory tablets for a few days and see what happens. She drags the leg behind her with the top of her foot dragging on the ground. It's like her leg is paralysed. Can you please offer advice on what I should do for further treatment. Thanks

Answer
Hi Laurie,
Well this is certainly not a good sign if she is knuckling over her back foot. That is certainly a sign of some major nerve damage.

I don't know about it being paralyzed just yet and she could still recover the use of her leg, but these things do take time. First of all you need to wrap her foot in some soft socks and then tape over them so that she doesn't wear the skin off if it, which she will.

The only other thing I can think of is an injection of a steroid as well as the pills. You didn't mention whether or not the vet gave her one of those or not.

You are going to need to prepare yourself for the fact that she may not regain usage of this leg. In that case your vet can discuss with you what options you have for her.

But don't give up hope yet. There is always a chance it will come back, this injury is very new. She could have just pulled on the sciatic nerve to the point of injuring it temporarily.

There is nothing else you can do but wait. Massage, etc will just make it worse. Follow your vets advice and say your prayers.

I will be thinking of you both. Please let me know how she does.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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