She is favoring her front paw and it is hot to the touch and we think we see possibly a bug bite. She is a bit lethargic and uncomfortable and is not acting like herself. We gave her an over the counter clear benedryl...is there anything else that we should be looking for
Master Advisor Matthew says:
January 29th, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Hi, If you can see an area where the skin is broken, then you are either dealing with an infected cut, an insect/snake bite or a penetrating foreign body (pieced of glass, grass seed etc) which could be stuck in there. I would bathe the paw in a bowl of salty water in the short term if she doesn't perk up, take her to your vet, at the very least she could get a good anti-inflammatory injection, and some antibiotics if there is a bacterial infection there.
Ellen says:
January 29th, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Thank you for your response. We ended up taking her to the pet emergency clinic at 1:30 in the morning. She had 105 fever (they said normal for a dog is 102) and something going on with her right shoulder. She is seeing our regular vet this morning at 9. They said it could be something called OCD (I think that was it - similar to hip displacia in the rear flanks but happens in the front on large dogs). Thank you for your help...
Master Advisor Matthew says:
January 29th, 2008 at 03:48 PM
OCD (Osteochondritis dissecans) is a growing disorder of adolescent dogs, very common in the shoulder and certainly a cause of lameness. However, it would have nothing to do with the high temperature (105 is extremely high) or paw wound. Sounds like you might have 2 unrelated problems going on simultaneously there!
Ellen says:
January 29th, 2008 at 04:34 PM
You are correct. She is at the vet as I type. Amazing...they took xrays of her entire body (digital) without sedation and nothing showed up at all. They are checking her blood work...keeping her hydrated...starting her on rymadyl (sp) for pain and antibiotics for fever. They are also check her for ticks. However she is bathed once a week and we use revolution once a month. However, being in Florida, you never know.
Master Advisor Matthew says:
January 29th, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Tick borne diseases are another consideration, I agree. I have read that Revolution will kill ticks, but it takes four or five days to do it. This wouldn't stop the transmission of, say, Lyme disease. The Preventic collar is the fastest working anti-tick device out there apparently, causing them to detach within an hour or two. The unrelated OCD doesn't always show up on xrays. They could do a joint tap from the painful joint to analyse the synovial fluid, but not without at least sedation.
Ellen says:
January 29th, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Thank you...I will mention that to my vet. You have been most helpful and certainly responsive.
Do you know the answer this question? Are you a pet professional? Become an advisor today!
Not a pet professional? Register here to comment on this question and help fellow pet owners.
Do you have a pet question you need answering? Ask our caring pet advisors here:
Does this not answer your question exactly?
my puppy has been really still and not active for the past 2 days. she just started vomiting today and its like a foamy flem. she seems like she dosent want to eat or drink... Read More »
Why is my dog dragging her rear end on the carpet?
why is my dog dragging her rear end on the carpet? Read More »
My dog keeps coughing flem up? What could it be? Read More »
Why does my dog eat poop? Read More »
Our 6 month old pit/lab puppy was energetic and acting normal two days ago. I gave her a biscuit (it's a new bag) and two or three hours later she was throwing up. She became... Read More »
Televets does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.
© Televets 2008
