Ask the Veterinarian/Possible sprain

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Expert: - 1/23/2012


Question
Hi There,

Yesterday we took our dog for a walk and as she was running down a sand dune, we noticed that she fell and it looked like she had put a lot of pressure on her back right foot. She instantly started to limp and has been since yeaterday. Her back paw is very swollen -she can place her paw on the floor and move the paw around. If we touch the leg she doesnt flinch or cry in pain at all. She is resting at the moment but has no issues around getting about-she will still go upstairs etc.Do you have any advice? Do you think it is a sprain? Can we give her paracetamols?

Thanks

Rachel

Answer
Please do not give your dog anything with acetaminophen in it. I am pretty sure that paracetamol is a form of that. It is highly toxic and deadly to your dog.

Now, as for her leg,or foot, you are probably right about it being a sprain or she might have tweaked a tendon in her foot. You can try icing it but in reality, since it is so very swollen, it sounds like she needs an xray of it.

It's already been over 24 hours so if the swelling hasn't gone down by this afternoon- I would make an appointment at the vets.

Plain buffered aspirin is what most vets will tell you to give to a dog until they can see them. The dose is one tablet per 30 lbs. One twice a day is given for a large dog. Baby aspirin is better for small dogs.

Aspirin is VERY hard on their stomachs so don't give it for more than a day or two and always give it with food.

But your vet has much safer and better acting pain medications, so call the vet and take her in if her foot is still swollen later today.  

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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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