Dog Carring Right Rear Leg

L

Livnoutdoors6.8

New member
Took scout out to Bong again today. When we got home, he laid on his bed next to me. When he got up, he was carrying his right rear leg. He wouldnt let that leg tough the ground at all. I checked his paws over for thorns and debris, massaged his leg, and gently stretched it out. He didnt cry or make any noise, in fact he was still wagging his tail. I let him outside and he took off after a squirrel like nothing was wrong, but I could still see a little awkwardness in his gait. I brought him back inside and he was still slightly carrying it but letting the foot touch the ground lightly. I laid him down again to inspect his feet. When I applied minor pressure to his center two toe pads he pulled his foot away and winced a little. I tried to take a better look but i still couldn't find anything. what should I do?
 
From what you have said it would appear to center around those middle toes. Maybe a crack in the webbing. I'd try rubbing some EMT Gel between his toes and give it a day to see how he responds. If it isn't any better you might consider a trip to the vet. If you dont have any EMT Gel try some Neosporin. You might have to wrap the foot for a while so he doesn't lick it off. Good luck.
 
Give him some time off. It doesn't sound like he's been conditioned for hunting, but you've had him out in the field for two days in a row. Think about how tired you are and how your legs feel after you got home, now consider that your pup covered probably 5 times the amount of ground you did.

Sounds like you've already done so, but check real close for any thorns and/or torn toenails.

He'll most likely be just fine after a day or two. If he doesn't get better and/or if his appetite changes, get him in to the vet.
 
Yeah, I admit I feel a little stupid. I was pretty jazzed up about the first day out with him. I need to ease him into the season maybe only going out twice a week or so with a few days in between until he gets into better condition. Still learning.
 
Not stupid...you're learning. I'm guilty as charged for having committed the same offense. :) Just keep an eye on him, and you'll be back in the field in no time. Let your pup tell you when he's getting tired.
 
Good news guys. I got home from work at about 1130 and scout came to meet me at the door. He was walking on all 4 legs, and only picked it up a little when I was petting him. I got down on the ground with him and looked at the webbing between the two toes with a light. There was a small spec of something that was kind of light green so I gently grabbed it with the tweezers. He didn't care for that too much but let me work at it. This morning he woke me up with a lot of energy, tail wagging and I'd say he's walking about 95%. I probably wouldn't notice any difference in his walk if I weren't particularly looking for it. I'm going to give him another 2-3 days before I take him out into the field and when I do, we're going to take it pretty easy.
 
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