Do not take limping in dogs casually

Vet’s Views

SB Mathur

One of the most experienced veterinary specialists in India, Dr SB Mathur is running a successful practice in Lucknow

Q: My Doberman is limping on his right leg (the problem seems to be in the paw actually), but he is not whining so he doesn’t sound like he’s in pain. Grieshma Sharma

Limping means he is in pain, so even though he's not whining, he would not be limping if he wasn't in pain. He could have injured his paw, or it could be that he has a foreign body in his paw. Check his paw and see if you can find an injury or a foreign body. If you do, he likely will need to see a vet to have it treated. If you can find an obvious injury or a foreign body, I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him to the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

Q: My dog started throwing up and won't eat. He also won't move and is just lying there. What can be wrong? Aradhya Shukla

If your dog is vomiting, not eating and extremely lethargic, these are very concerning signs. I would be worried that he may have a serious problem such as a bad case of gastroenteritis, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, or even parvovirus depending on his age. I would recommend having him seen by a vet right away - he/she can palpate his belly to check for any abnormalities, and may also need to do blood work and x-rays to determine the problem. He will likely need IV fluids for dehydration.

Q:My dog has been throwing up every night around 3 am. No recent changes in diet or daily routine. What do I do? Rahul Makkar

Vomiting in dogs has multiple causes and can sometimes be a symptom of a greater underlying condition. In the absence of additional symptoms (lethargy, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain), most cases of vomiting can be managed at home with a bland diet fed in small frequent amounts until symptoms resolve. Gradually transition over 5-7 days to the regular diet afterwards. If vomiting persists for 24 hours or more, or if new symptoms develop, a visit to your veterinarian is recommended. That said, what you have described may be a condition known as bilious vomiting syndrome. The exact cause is unknown and it can affect dogs of any breed or age. Too long of a time between meals is thought to contribute to the condition. Bile, which is quite irritating, may enter the empty stomach and can cause vomiting. Pet parents report a foamy, yellow vomit late at night or early in the morning. Since your pet has been vomiting so frequently, an exam with your veterinarian would be recommended to either confirm bilious vomiting syndrome or to diagnose and treat another cause. Blood work and abdominal x-rays may be suggested after the exam. A bland diet and antacids may be dispensed. Offering a small meal just before bedtime may help as well.

Q: My cat lost her kittens recently now she is swollen with milk, what can I do to help her? Shazia Sheikh

I am sorry she lost her kittens. The best thing is not to do anything except check the mammary glands frequently for redness and heat and pain. If that occurs you will need to take her to a vet, as she may be getting mastitis. Other than that, feed her normally, make sure she has enough to drink (water). The pressure of the milk will stop the milk production and the teats should get smaller over the next week.