limpy dog

[mal magnum]

I have a male dog of about 6 years old,terrier lurcher cross.Recently,when I let him off to run round outside,later in the evening he develops a limp,(always the same left rear leg).The next day it has usually gone.This past week seems more prolonged.Any ideas?

[jules77]

best to get him checked out by the vet to rule out anything else, but sounds like a bit of arthritis. The vet may prescribe something possibly metacam which I wouldnt recommend due to the adverse side effects. Something like cod liver oil tablets and some glucosamine, or devils claw from the health food shop can be quite effective. I just happened to see these earlier from an online health food site I use http://www.healthydirect.co.uk/Pet+Care.html

[fairkatrina]

My old alsation was on metacam for years and I thought it worked really well for her, although in early stages of arthritis cod liver oil can work wonders too and is considerably cheaper. I'd also get the vet to do a blood test to rule out kidney problems, because a stiff-legged gait is often the first symptom of kidney problems, and the earlier they are diagnosed and treated the more likely it is your dog will recover.