About two months ago, my 16 month old Labrador was bowled over by a bigger dog when we were out on a walk.  He limped for a couple of days on his right shoulder, but it seemed to get better.  It's been recurring on and off, mostly in the mornings, which we put down to stiffness after lying in the same position.

The problem seems to have become worse in the last week or so and I took him to the vet yesterday, who said arthritis may be setting in around the damaged joint.  He's now on Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate, which she says should reverse the problem.

We've stopped throwing balls for him but I normally take him out for a quick walk up and down the road three times a day, as well as over an hour off the lead in the woods once a day.  Is this too much exercise while he's getting better?  Sometimes he limps and sometimes not, so it's hard to tell whether one thing's making it worse and I obviously don't want to cripple him, but want him to have some quality of life while he's getting better.

I think firstly the vet should have done an xray as how can he determine the damage to the joint ? :)

Until this is done it will then easier to determine what the real problem is and what course of treatment is needed :)

Whilst he is still limping without a proper diagnosis I would restrict the excercise to a minimum maybe two or three 10 minute lead walks a day at the very most ;)

Lucy
xx

I agree with LJS - limit his exercise to lead walks only, no free running until you know exactly what the problem is and he stops limping.   Not sure if he uses stairs but stairs can exacerbate joint and muscle problems.
If you feel he needs more exercise than lead walks then ask your vet if he would recommend hydrotherapy for him!

I had a dog once that was bowled over by my other dog. We were a way on holiday at the time so rang my own vet at home, who said to keep him quiet & would see him when we got home, a few days later. My vet took an x-ray & nothing could really be seen however, the dog was still lame but mainly in the mornings. I was referred to an orthopaedic specialist eventually. After a few weeks, he seemed to be getting better so i took him to a show. You guessed it, just before he was going in his class he went lame again! My vet was there so she had a look & said "just hold on to his head a bit" so I did & there was an almighty crack. My dog had had a dislocated shoulder!! I then went to the orthopaedic vet to have the shoulder checked out thoroughly as the dog was lamer after the shoulder had been put back in place. I was given some Synoquin for him & only had to have lead walks for weeks but eventually it all cleared up.

Your vet should have x-rayed the shoulder though IMO. Better to be safe than sorry.

I would also restrict exercise until he's better.  Homeopathic arnica is great for any injury, I'd give him the 6c twice daily for up to a week and see if that helps.  From chemist/health food store.  Also gentle masage on the shoulder area.