Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 9/28/2009

Question
Hello,
I have a 16month old English Bulldog Named Harley. She's the best little girl and I love her like my child...she basically is my child.  I let her exercise, but try to keep it down cause I know they have joint issues.  I took her with me and my buddy to a dog friendly beach a few weeks ago and she would not stop playing with us...chasing the frisbee running around, etc..she seemed to be having a blast.  When it came time to leave she could barely walk she was so sore and was and limping on her left hind leg.  I kept her immobile for the next several days giving her some cammomile calming treats and also some hip and joint treats with glucosomine and other good stuff in it...in addition to the "missing link" powder i put in her food regularly.  I feed her Royal Canin kibble (the Bulldog type) and recently started putting a small scoop of wet dog food in with it to make it a little more apetizing for her.  

She is still nursing her hind leg and sometimes after any activtey she starts to limp again.  I haven't let her play too hard since the day at the beach..in fact I have tried not to let her do too much aggresive activity at all as to not let her get more injured.  I am planning on taking her to the vet to have her checked out, but in the meantime can you advise me as to what might be wrong with her?  Did I ruin my bulldog for life?  I'm worried that i could have given her hip displacia or caused some sort of permanent damage by letting her play for too hard/long.  Since the day at the beach I've been carrying her down stairs as i think it hurts her.  I'm hoping to get a little insight as to why my lil girl is limping.

I appreciate any advise/feedback you can provide me.

Best,
Tommy

Answer
limping dog ; possible joint injury ;  Have you seen the vet?
Please let me know what the Vet says about your dog's leg.  Thanks.

Hi Tommy - don't worry - have the vet take an x-ray just to be safe.  I bet she has a little joint injury that will repair itself in time.  Let me know what the vet says?
I can give you some foods, supplements and oils to help keep her bones, and ligaments safe and free from future injuries..
Keep me posted.
My private e-mail is:
mtnmom@gci.net


Marie Peppers of Ask the Pet Nurse