Expert: Nicole - 4/18/2009

Question
Hi, again! I have asked you questions about Daphne before. Well, now she has fallen and hurt her hind leg and I am trying to decide how bad she hurt it. She will walk, but with a limp, she will go down stairs, but not up. I can rub it, push against her foot and lightly pull and no yelping. She fell off the couch and I think maybe just a muscle injury, but not sure what to do. Should i just watch her and see how she does today, or take her to the vet now.  She is eating, wagging her tail, etc. Just not as active as usual and is there anything I can do at home for her. Man she is a handful!!!!  But she has been such a great addition to our pack!!!!!!!

Answer
Hi Rachel :)

I would take her to the vet.  There are some ligament injuries that can present themselves as minor but when not taken care of (normally with plenty of rest and rimadyl) immediately can turn into major surgeries later on down the road.

I'd also be concerned with a back injury (common in Bassets) rather than a leg injury as you can manipulate the leg with no problems.