Since we got Charlie (Lhasa Apso), he always seems to be a bit stiff when he first wakes up - know who he feels most mornings though :)

About two weeks ago however, he tripped over while running in the woods, and the stiffness seems to have gotten worse since then. We phoned the vet who asked how he seemed generally, which is fine, and he said unless he was limping not to worry. We've taken him in since, but the vet believes there is nothing much to worry about.

However, we understand that problems with the joints and spine can be common in this breed? We have been making sure that he gets three meals of oily fish (tuna or sardines) per week to try and help with this, but can anybody suggest something else we could try - maybe another oil?

Thankx
Christine

Edit: Forgot to mention that this stiffness doesn't seem to interfere with him running round like a loon! Only seems to be noticeable when he is walking as opposed to running

You could try glucosamine which is brilliant for joint/muscle aches.

Wendy

How old is he?
Archer

Just found a previous post of yours saying he's about 21 weeks?I would noy be happy having such a young dog with stiffness.I would take him for a check up at the vets just to be sure.
How much exercise does he have??
Regards Archer

HI Archer

Charlie is 21 weeks now. We've just had him back to the vets, as his limp has got more and more pronounced as today has gone on. They're treating the limp as a strained muscle, with 5 days of anti-inflam's, and rest - although i suspectthat with 5days of no walkies, he's gonna be bouncing off the walls!!!
They will investigate further if there is no obvious improvement after that.

They have said that the stiffness could be a sign of underlying joint probs, but that as there does not seem to any pain connected with it, and he runs it off as the morning goes on, then not to worry. Not sure that we're entirely satisfied with that, but this vet has been *very* good since we got Charlie (he has mishapen ear canals which has resulted in re-occuring ear infections, and the need of a general anaesthetic once already), so i suppose we'll see how it plays and take him back if necc.

Majix

HI Majix
I had my staff on a no exercise routine for 12 months!!!Poor soul.
If your not happy with the vets diagnosis I would see another vet for a second-your first vet need not know.
As for the lameness its much easier for a dog to run with a bad leg than to walk since tis easier to compensate for the bad leg.
Good luck,Archer

*shakes head* ONE day without a walk so far, and he's already a holy terror - how on earth did u do this with a staff!! And for that long!!

He's also really sulky because as well as his walks he's used to a big long play session in the evening when my partner gets home from work - these are banned too, so Charlie is NOT impressed!!

On a positive note, his limp is slightly less pronounced this morning, and he's not holding himself as stiff, so the medication obviously is helping him - an hopefully it will just be this short course!!

Majix