Expert: Marie Peppers / The Boston Terrier Lady - 1/14/2011

Question
QUESTION: Our 5 1/2 month old Boston Terrier has been limping for four days. We have taken her to the vet for an initial orthopedic exam. The Vet believed that nothing was broken. However, the Vet said there was some swelling and would prefer to do some x-rays to make sure there is no damage to her growth plates. We are taking her to a different Vet tomorrow for her x-rays, as my boyfriend was not satisfied with the initial Vet visit. Do you have any advice for what may be going on with Lulu? She is still babying her leg, but eating and playing aggressively with our other large dog.

ANSWER: Hi Nicole, You may want to hold off for week before you get another opinion.  Sounds like it may be just some bruised areas..  Sure, you can alway do some x-rays down the road.  Glad you did take her into the Vet for the exam.  Bostons are known for leg injuries and knee troubles.  They play hard and sometime hurt the joints.  Please control her exercise and activity for the next week.  Leash walks and even keep her on a leash in the house.  I know she won't like it but the area needs to repair and rest.  Even using a crate to get her rest would be fine.

Here is my post on ACL injuries and Luxating Patella injuries in Bostons:
Some Great supplements can help:
Limping Boston Terrier:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Boston-Terriers-3377/2010/6/boston-limping-1.htm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your reply.

I forgot to add that she injured her leg as I was letting her out of the car, which is a Jeep. So we were thinking she may have landed wrong on her leg. Would that change your advice at all?

Answer
I would still consider it's bruised.  The supplements will help with healing and also will stop future injuries.  ACL and Knee ( patella) injuries are very common with this breed.
Please try to keep her from runs and jumps for at least a week.  She can cause more damage if you don't quiet her down a bit.  ( I know it's not easy to do!)  ** Wild little puppy...

Keep me posted.
I would get her on the NuVET and NuJoint supplements ASAP -
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html
1 NuVET per day and 3 NuJoint Plus wafers per day....
Tell them Pet Nurse Marie is working with you.


Marie Peppers LPN MA