Hi I have a 7 yr old female westie no problems with her until this week when she couldnt jump on to the bed, thought it was a one off but it has been like this for a couple of days, now i am getting worried as I could her her squeaking as she does when she wants something and i looked to the bottom of stairs and she is sat wanting to come up, I called her and after a couple of tries she came up but not with her usual bounce and it seemed an effort, she seems fine when she comes down to the field when i see to my horse and she is eating ok, anyone have any ideas please,   thanks

If she was my dog I would be off to the vets as something is not right - presumably she is either stiff or in pain.

Hope she is back to her bouncy westie self soon.

Ailsa

If this were my dog I'd be booking a vet visit too as this would be very unusual in any of mine. If your girl is ok on the flat but unwilling to tackle stairs or to jump I'd keep her downstairs and wouldn't ask her to even try doing anything more til she's been checked.  In the meantime I'd restrict heavy exercise and keep her warm.  Even if it's just a sprain she'll need rest to recuperate so nothing more than a garden potter is advisable.

Hope she's ok

> I called her and after a couple of tries she came up

But I would never have called her to make her climb the stairs.  Any potential injury or problem could be exacerbated by making her do something that obviously causes pain.

No more going down the field, rest and vet, is my advice.

Rest with light exercise only - no running or climbing or jumping - until she's seen the vet. She's in pain from somewhere, maybe a leg or her back, and you don't want to make it worse.

thankyou for replies. vet tomorrow, we have a sunday appointment and she is confined to downstairs for the time being and she stayed home whilst i saw to my horse.

woodsford - what did the vet say about your westie?

Ailsa

Hi, yes we went to vet had a good examination and he thinks it is a bit of back strain, she is on metacam for a few days, and bed rest, if after the metacam is finished she has problems again then they will do further tests, i have to keep an eye on her when walking as if she starts scuffing her feet he will want to see her straight away, she is very good and asks if she wants to get on and off sofa, so she is being very sensible, my GSD is brilliant with her as she lets her snuggle in the curve of her tummy to keep her warm, so lovely to see.