Honey is now 10 months old. Over the past few days she has started limping on her front leg, but only late in the day and evening. I've restricted her exercise accordingly, but today she seems to be worse. I'm taking her to the vets tomorrow. There doesn't seem anything obvious on her paw or leg, and I think it is a stiffness in her shoulder. She did have a fall last weekend when she got over exuberant and jumped a ditch, and I wonder if she's bruised her shoulder where she landed. Any ideas please.
Lorna

Hi! Go to your vet and ask to have Honeys shoulder X-rayed. There is a condition called OCD which occurs in dogs who may have elbow dysplasia. Certain breeds are more prone to it than others. My Doberman cross Chucky, was diagnosed with CD caused by elbow dysplasia at 7 months old after experiencing the symptoms you mention. It is controllable but not I am afraid curable. However, Chucky lives a normal life aided only by one Glucosomine, Chondroitin & MSM tablet a day.

Hi Lorna, I doubt OCD as you know your line but it's as well to check it out. The Flower got me a bit worried when she was Honey's age. The do crash about rather don't they! Let us know what happens.

Best wishes, John

Hi John and Caroline, saw the vet this evening who agreed with my diagnosis of bruising/ligament damage after the heavy landing over the ditch. He's given me arnica tablets to ease the bruising and will see her again in two weeks for xray if no improvement. He felt the fact that she starts the day fine, and then gradually stiffens up indicates temporary bruising rather than OCD. She also picked today to come in season, but just as well, as it will be easier restricting her exercise for a couple of weeks.
Lorna

Dudley just a thought did your vet tell you not to touch the arnica tabs with your hand ?

Its also much easier to give them crushed between 2 tea spoons, and the ppwder popped on the tongue, they are not for swallowing like ordinary tablets. Also if she starts going sound, stop giving them at the end of that day, and only start again if she starts going lame again. Dont give 15 minutes before or after food or drink. hope they work for you.

Yep - says on the bottle not to touch them, and I know this is the same for human variety homeopathic remedies. Very hard to avoid contact and also get it into a dog (thank god its not for the cat). The good thing about labs is they're so greedy, they'll usually eat anything without too much fuss.

I always find it easy to give dogs (or cats ) tablets sqaushed into cheese softend into a ball
99% results that way