Amber Morgan Webboard User Reg: 10-18-2006
Posts: 1849
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Offline
Well, I'm not a vet and I'm sure there are other people here that can give you more specific advice. But until they do, I would say that I would have him rest a little bit longer than after he stops showing discomfort or pain.
The reason for this is dogs often mask any pain and it isn't obvious to the owners. It's better to be safe than sorry...I wouldn't want to risk harming it again.
As someone who has had MANY sprained ankles...I can tell you that it's twice as easy to sprain again just after the pain stops--and you can often do even more damage (torn ligaments, etc.)
Once you do resume exercise, I think swimming is a fantastic idea to build back the strength since it doens't require weight bearing.
Amber Morgan Webboard User Reg: 10-18-2006
Posts: 1849
Loc: St. Louis, MO
Offline
One other thing I would like to mention (and again, I would defer to someone with more of a medical background) is that when you do resume exercise, keep it light because the muscle will be weak.
I know I sort of said that with the swimming comment I made, but I wanted to say it more clearly because again, I have made that mistake with my own body and paid the price and was out for A LOT longer than I would have been if I had just been patient!
You said that he sprained his forepaw "again." Is this just a fluke or have you gotten him checked out for an underlying cause that's maybe causing the weakness or injury?
in my human experience, an active rehab helps keep things moving and reduces issues w/scar tissue etc. sprains are essentially pulled or torn ligaments or tendons (depending on how bad the sprain) and you do want range of motion to remain ok. after tearing (ligaments, tendons) things, i've always done better w/active rehab - BUT - i know my level of pain and i start out slow.
maybe speak to the vet about this? it may be that he needs to be off it for a few days and then can start doing something like swimming, which will be great as it's not weight-bearing. but while i would recommend keeping him active (lightly active, but active), i would also worry about the ability to gauge his pain and what he's experiencing.
My guy had to take it easy for about 2 weeks after soft tissue damage to his front paw.
He wore the leash at all times and was only allowed to go outside to potty and come back in. No playing at all so i stocked up on bones and kong filling and put extra goodies in his buster cube to keep him busy.
It was a LONG two weeks
After that he was cleared to walk on grass, not run, swim, or other light exercise for another month.
But his was more than a simple sprain, he knocked a table over on his paw and we thought it was broken
My GSD has sprained his right forepaw again. How long should he rest? Would swimming in the ocean be ok? (because this dog lives for activity)
Did you bring him to your vet? If so did he x-ray and say anything about Panosteitis? I would like imput from other people who may have information on this problem. My gds has a sprained forepaw and I thought he landed the wrong way when he jumped out of my truck. He is being x-rayed to rule things out.
Well, I did bring him to the vet the first time he sprained one of his front legs, but the vet just took one look at him and said it wasn't broken.
But the limping is nearly gone. I will let him rest this week. Next week I will let him swim everyday in the ocean for 15 minutes in the afternoon. The week after that I will start training BDFG with Bernard Flinks. The problem with this forced breaks is that the dog tends to forget a lot that he has learned before. Not only that but my dog nearly bores himself to death...That is why I will try to prevent future sprains.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Rest period after sprained forepaw?
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
