Hi guys,

I have an issue here-
I have scheduled X-Ray for my 17 months old male GSD, Matrix on OCt10, 2006.
Brief history behind it as he had started limping on his hind left leg. He is fine today <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> so I don’t know if I should go with the x-ray now or wait till his 2 year birthday, which will be on Feb 14, 2007. The limp lasted only 4 days. I am not going to think anything worst now, but will keep his exercise normal not extreme…will not make him jump. As I did not do his PRE, I am not sure about anything. I saw Matrix when he was with Will R. and he was good. Ran, jumped stairs…He was almost 1 year old then. Can you guys advise if I should go ahead with the x-rays now or should wait another 4 months?

Few facts-
1. Since he was few months old, I have noticed that his hind left leg has been little weaker but he does not hop, he runs and walks well. I think that he may have incurred an injury at the breeder as a puppy but I am not aware of it. :x

2. This time the limp happened because he slipped on wet grass chasing after his ball. The slip was not that bad but whenever he slips, I think that he gets uncomfortable in this left back leg.

3. Also, almost a year back, he had some kind of injury on the same leg and it was swollen, the vet could not find anything specific. (He speculated a bug bite) He gave him some anti- bacterial medicine and he was okay in a few days. This injury occurred when I had left him with the Breeder- k9union.com for 2 weeks as my house was under construction. I was told that Matrix used to run a lot with older dogs. Anyway that is past and I cannot undo it. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

4. I think he could also be going thru PANO as he had shown clinical signs for it few months back.

What do you think? <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Thanks,--- Rashmi

First off, I do not work with quality dogs like most of the forum members and I have limited experience with dog health problems. I would say, however, that having him x-rayed now would be what I would do if I were in your place. Cost is always a consideration but it seems to me you don't want to mess with your pup's health at this age. If the x-rays catch something, you will be glad you did it early. If they don't, you will have some peace of mind. Good luck and I hope it turns out to just be a pull or strain.

If it was my dog I would have the x-ray done just for piece of mind. I know that cost is always a issue but piece of mind is priceless.

Rashmi,

If there was an injury w/swelling at one time, could this be an ACL issue? (think back to Brian Jackson's ordeal with Jet) Without that little bit of info, I'd say you could get off with a Pano diagnosis, since this sounds sooo much like Caleb's experience w/Pano. No fun, for sure, but definitely better than HD! The only advantage I see to putting off the xrays is to save money by waiting until he's old enough to be OFA certified, if that's what you're hoping. Peace of mind IS priceless. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thanks Jenni. I am having hard time accessing websites today.

I gave him METACAM day before yesterday and the next day he was fine. I looked at the METACAM website but not sure if it anit-inflammotory and/ or a pain killer. I may end up waiting until he is 2 years only because I don't want to sedate him twice to get 100% accurate films.

Can I have your number? I would like to call you later today. PM ME or e-mail me at rashmi.kumar0@gmail.com. I can't access this e-mail from work though.

Thanks,
Rashmi

 Quote:

Thanks Jenni. I am having hard time accessing websites today.

I gave him METACAM day before yesterday and the next day he was fine. I looked at the METACAM website but not sure if it anit-inflammotory and/ or a pain killer.........

Both. It is an NSAID, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammation Drug.

Rashmi,

If this were my dog I would at least get an x-ray of the dogs leg that he had problems with before. It should cost about $150 at most for one x-ray. I took my pup to an emergency vet and the total came out to $350 for an initial exam and 2 or 3 x-rays when she was diagnosed with pano. If you could find a vet that doesn't need to sedate the dog for this type of x-ray I would go with them. Good luck <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Kim

 Quote:

Rashmi,

If this were my dog I would at least get an x-ray of the dogs leg that he had problems with before. It should cost about $150 at most for one x-ray. I took my pup to an emergency vet and the total came out to $350 for an initial exam and 2 or 3 x-rays when she was diagnosed with pano. If you could find a vet that doesn't need to sedate the dog for this type of x-ray I would go with them. Good luck <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Kim

Ditto.

good info on meloxicam
http://www.rxcarecanada.com/Mobicox.asp
I have used meloxicam (Metacam) on a few dogs and it worked very well for inflamation and pain.

Rashmi,
Give me a call and we'll do a bedside diagnosis to get you started on the most cost-effective way to find out what the probelm with your boy is.

Will