I am worried about my dog.

[murielm99]

She has been limping since yesterday morning. She will not put any weight on her right front foot. Last night, I accidentally nudged that foot, and she whined in pain.

We have a vet appointment this afternoon.

It could be a number of things. She likes to take a dump in the cornfield. The stalks are frozen and sharp right now. She could have stepped on something over at the trail where we take her to run.

I am worried that she stepped on a sliver of glass. I broke two Christmas ornaments in the living room. I swept immediately, but later I found a couple of pieces of glass, one in front of the bathroom door, and one out on the rug. I vacuumed again.

What if it is something more serious? She is usually such a lively and happy dog. I still haven't gotten over losing our 13 and 1/2 year old Lab.

I know I worry too much.

[sazemisery]

1. I think your assumptions could be correct, hopefully

I'm opting for the glass or stob(?) from the cornfield. My pointers and setters used to get sore feet from rough frozen fields all the time. I guess she won't let you look at it, huh?

[murielm99]

2. No, she whines if I try to look at it.

She likes our vet. She is usually pretty cooperative with her.

Kinsey is a Lab/Doberman mix, about 65 pounds. She looks just like a small Dobie with uncropped ears and tail. She has a Lab's happy disposition.

[Flaxbee]

3. I wouldn't worry too much --

it probably is either a puncture from the corn stalks, or perhaps a piece of glass. She might need to be sedated a bit for the vet to get a good look or remove whatever it is, but it sounds like there is a perfectly reasonable explanation. She might need antibiotics for a bit to make sure the wound doesn't get infected.

Alternatively, sometimes our dogs would get stone bruises on their pads ... or between the pads, if we'd been out hiking. Tender, but healed in a few days.

Let us know what the vet says, OK? Sweet girl doggie. I'm sure she'll be fine.

[Blue Diadem]

4. Ohh..poor baby.

It's probably a cut or sliver from the glass or cornstalks and nothing more serious. Our lab had a tumor in his paw and never acted in pain. I just happened to find the lump at the hollow spot above the big paw pad one day while I was drying off his feet to come into the house. He didn't limp or act as if it hurt, even after his surgery to remove it.

Having said that, he split a nail once..that was extremely painful. He walked around whimpering and whining and hanging his paw up in the air. Another time he skinned the paw pad a bit and did the same thing.

:hug:

I understand your worry. Keep us updated.

[Critters2]

5. Your theories sound reasonable, and treatable.

But I understand your worry. Taking her to the vet is the best and right thing to do. I'm guessing it won't prove to be too serious. If it is something more, you're a good dog mom, you'll take good care of her.

I know the feelings after you've lost one, though. I lost four pets in four years--two of 'em seven weeks apart. I've finally gotten past panicking at every little whine. But I'm still VERY cautious with them. Now, I hope for the best, but worry about the worst.

I hope all goes well at the vet. Keep us posted!

[xchrom]

6. for your baby

Dear God, protect and bless all beings that breathe, keep all evil from them, and let them sleep in peace. Amen.
--Albert Schweitzer, "Memoirs of Childhood and Youth"

sending here's hoping all good healing comes to your baby.

[FloridaJudy]

7. It's good you're taking her to the vet

I had a similar problem with my fur child a few months ago. It turned out she'd merely dislocated a toe - took all of three seconds for the vet to put it back in place. I hope it's something similar for your critter.

You're doing the right thing.

edited for grammar

[Omphaloskepsis]

8. Stop stressing.. You can't do anything until you get to the vet.

[ThomCat]

9. Whatever it is, I hope there's nothing in her foot

or that it's easily and cleanly removable.

I hope the vet can take care of it easily. Good thoughts for your dog. :hug: