Hi Guys, 

About a month ago, after a walk, Spender developed a front left leg limp.  This was about lunchtime so I rang the vet and the earliest he could see him was 6 o'clock.  I rested him in the afternoon and by the time we got to the vet, the limp had gone.  Vet said he was fine and I felt an absolute fool. :-D

So far this has happened three times over roughly 6 weeks.  A front leg limp comes on usually during exercise and disappears after 5, 6 hours rest.  Last night, he walked out the back door into the garden to eat a piece of toast; he turned round and came back in with a limp.  I thought I was seeing things.  This morning it was just a slight limp and this afternoon, it had gone. 

There doesn't appear to be any outward signs of instability in the elbow or pastern joints although he is 10 yr old and no doubt will have degeneration in the joints to a certain degree, although no stiffness or clinical signs of arthritis. Well, yet anyhow!  I just haven't known OA or soft tissue injuries to act in such a way.

At the moment my vet is mystified and thought perhaps it may be degeneration of cartilage in the joints.  Obviously if it gets worse, we may have to x-ray.  Has anyone had a similar occurrence or perhaps would be able to give me a few pointers as to what might be going on here?

I'm just concerned that this may be the start of something.  Any ideas greatly appreciated.  :-)   

Hi
Subclinical lamenesses are a pain in the rear!  Some vets are more skilled and thorough in their palpation techniques than others when it comes to soft tissue, so it may be an idea to find a chartered physio who will be able to check range of movement of all joints (including shoulder).  Is there any muscle atrophy in the triceps or any of the extensor muscles of the leg?   Have the toes all been checked?  Also, it is worth checking out the diagonal hind and getting a proper gait analysis done. Is the lameness always post-exercise or does it ever occur first thing in the morning after a long period of rest?  What breed is your dog? Depending on where you are in the country I may be able to recommend someone to you if you would like to PM me.  

Good luck

Jan, I've sent you a PM.