Expert: Christine Puetz - 1/25/2009

Question
Yesterday when I was out walking my 2 british bulldog bitches one of my bitches decided to chase the birds. The mud was very wet & boggy. She slipped & twisted her rear end. She came back to me limping & non weight bearing on her hind right leg. I have checked her paw & hock which seem to be fine. After a few hours rest she got up very stiff & hobbles on three paws. After a good nights rest she is still no better, if anything she is now showing aggression towards my 12 week old male pup when he cuddles her. Her paw is held high up from the ground & she nips when I touch her thigh. I dont think there is anything wrong with her hip joint or below the hock. There is swelling around her thigh muscell. She is continusly asleep & is not willing to eat or drink unaided. To go to the toilet is a real hard effort for her & I have to carry her in & outside for her to urinate. Do you think it could be just a pulled muscell or perhaps any ligament damage or possibly anything worse? My vet is away until Wednesday but I do have other vets I could take her to if necessary.

Answer
Carla,

I'm not a vet and also, without seeing your dog it is impossible to tell for sure what it going on.

But it sounds like it could be something serious like a pulled or damaged ligament.

This really sounds like you should see a vet.

Christine Puetz