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Sherman - Injury - Advice

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Hey, okay here's the deal...

We had just started our walk when he jumped up suddenly on the leash, got a bit off balance, and landed awkwardly on his left side. I heard him whimper when he hit and then he stood up and had trouble putting weight on his left side, front leg. So, I carried him home (all 47 lbs). Jeez...

Anyway, we got home and he started putting more weight on it. Five minutes later, he is now walking and jogging around but with a touch of a limp. I believe the discomfort is coming from high on the leg, close to his body. I am thinking a "charlie horse" or bruise of some sort. I am thinking if he broke something he would be in much more pain.

Advice or anything? Sorry, I know this is quick and abrupt. Thanks... Charles
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Well, I'd give it some time and see how he does. I've seen my guys gimping around after taking a spill, but they are normally fine pretty quickly. If he is still gimpy after a couple of days and showing signs of pain, then I would think a trip to the vet.
Thats what i was thinking. I kenneled him a few minutes ago because i want to see how it does after a little R and R. If it's not getting better pretty quick, we'll be on the way to the vet in a heartbeat. It already moves better than it did when it happened.
I think you are doing good Kenneling for a bit.......sounds like you have a handle on the situation :)
When you go to the vets they say don't let them jump around and limit their exercise,If anyone out there knows how to stop a Dobe jumping around please let me know!!If the problem persists i would just let the vet check him out.
Being a life-long horse person, I'm a big believer in ice. You will get some benefit from ice for up to about 36 hours after an injury. Dogs are a pain to ice, but even 20 minutes will help. Run your hand over where you think he hit and try to find any heat, if you find heat or swelling get the ice on that spot.
I agree, I would give it a little time and see how he does. Gawd knows...my dogs slam each other into everything. Piper is famous for waiting until one of the dobermans is running full speed and then slamming them into the side of my concrete patio. If both of them don't wind up with bad hips it will be a miracle.

That being said, from the way I understand it...dogs dont show pain like we would...so if he *is* still limping in a day or so, I would take him to the vet. Just because he isnt walking around wimpering, doesnt mean that something isnt wrong.

I think your on the right track though, just keep an eye on him. Hopefully it is nothing major, good luck Hope you feel better soon Sherman!
Hard to tell when a dog is in pain they do not show pain readily has something to do with the wolf pack mentality.Hope he is ok and will be better soon.
Patches Mom
If anyone out there knows how to stop a Dobe jumping around please let me know!!
LOL Brum...yes, please, let us all know!

Poor Sherman. I hope he's feeling better soon.
Thank you all.. this evening I cant see any noticeable limp. He is doing great. :)
Don't you love this forum? I was all freaked out when I cut Red's ear during posting once and I immediately logged on and posted pics to get advice! Everyone here is great for that. :)
Glad to hear he is ok! Petey constantly hurts himself while playing with his pack of dogs, and then hours later is fine. His big feet and lack of coordination get him in to trouble all the time. I've seen him do flips, face slides and he can't always stop or turn too quickly and ends up slamming in to other dogs, people, trees....just a complete comedy act!

Carol
Ouch!

Hey, okay here's the deal...

We had just started our walk when he jumped up suddenly on the leash, got a bit off balance, and landed awkwardly on his left side. I heard him whimper when he hit and then he stood up and had trouble putting weight on his left side, front leg. So, I carried him home (all 47 lbs). Jeez...

Anyway, we got home and he started putting more weight on it. Five minutes later, he is now walking and jogging around but with a touch of a limp. I believe the discomfort is coming from high on the leg, close to his body. I am thinking a "charlie horse" or bruise of some sort. I am thinking if he broke something he would be in much more pain.

Advice or anything? Sorry, I know this is quick and abrupt. Thanks... Charles
Albeit it may appear to be resolved, there are some nice things you can do for your dog to help those 'injury reminders'. If I am concerned about an ijnjury or possible injury to my dog, I think of the mechanism of injury related to myself. For instance, picture yourself doing the exact same thing ... we know muscle has memory, so it is likely that even after the acute injury heals, you may be "reminded" of it later (ouch). This is a good rule of thumb to follow a soft tissue injury:
"R.I.C.E."
Rest ~ alloing the affected area/injury time to recoup is GOOD
Ice ~ apply icepack(s) to the affected area of injury to prevent and or reduce swelling
Compress ~ Compression and or compression massage is
Elevate ~ Keeping the "injured side up" - or allowing for positive blood flow to the area, (do not restrict), but against normal gravity, as my former professor said (hahaha) is also beneficial.
Gentle massaging of the area is great. Non-invasive soft tissue injuries - provided a ligament, for example, is not TOO overstretched - have the potential of healing beautifully. But those comfort measures can be so important, given our wonderful breed is so incredibly stoic.
Kathy
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I know he will encounter scrapes and cuts along the way; that's just a given. And that doesnt really bother me. It's the "impact" type of injuries that cause problems you can't see that have me concerned. I am going to take him for a nice walk this morning since he is rearing to go, and see how it continues to do. He is 'sprinting' around the house, excited to do something..
Titus had a soft tissue injury at the park one time that landed him in a splint for a couple of weeks. He went to jump up on an object and didnt quite make it and landed wrong. When it happened my husband said he yelped and just figured it was a wrong land.

You will just have to see how he does but it does sound like he is getting better however I would not push him too much too fast as this could aggravate a healing injury. Please let us know how he does. :)
No doubt. We're allowing him to show us 'the pace' this week. :)
My one dobe jumped off the stairs of our deck the wrong way. She limped for a while and then you could see she favored it. It was hard but with therapeutic massage and keeping her on lead for three months for anything and everything she avoided any surgery or any medical intervention. If you saw her after all said and done now you would never know.
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