Swollen joints

eskimomonkey2 · 11-21-2012, 05:10 PM

I have a pure black german shepherd. He is having health issues concerning his joints. His hocks are swollen one noticably more than the other), as is his toe joints (which the vet says is very uncommon for a young dog). The pain seems to be most intense in the mornings. Sometimes its not bad, sometimes he cannot even get up. He is a young dog, only 3 years old so a degenerative arthuritus most common in older dogs is very unlikely. I brought him to the vet and they are currently testing for infection, lyme disease among other stuff such as the type of artheritus that is not related to age. They have also taken various x-rays. In the meantime, I would like to get some peoples advice as to what kinds of medicines or nutrients can be given for the swollen joints, or if people may have an idea as to what could be causing the problem. Thank you for any input.

Elaine · 11-21-2012, 05:30 PM

Did they do joint taps?

GatorBytes · 11-21-2012, 05:37 PM

Can you post pics. I this obvious swelling or just to your trained eye and noticed due to lameness?

If lyme or other type of tick illness that could very well show up as swelling.

What do you feed, any extensive exercise, jumping at squirrels?

Recent vaccines or medications?

eskimomonkey2 · 11-22-2012, 04:14 PM

Yes they did a joint tap and are doing tests on the fluid which was clear in colour, I should here from them within a few days. One hock on his hind leg is noticably more swollem than the other, and the toe joints aren't as obvious. He doesn't excercise much because of his discomfort, but even when he was healthy he was never very active. He is fed Performatrin Ultra which seems to be the only food I have been able to feed him that doesn't result in allergic reactions such as dry, flakey skin, excessive itching and hot spots. The swollen howk is very soft to the touch and feels as though it is full of fluid. Thanks for the replies!

Elaine · 11-22-2012, 04:22 PM

I don't know what's wrong with your dog and you are going to have to wait for more test results to come back before figuring out what to do about it. I can say that this is very abnormal and that's about it. Maybe something immune related? I don't know.

carmspack · 11-22-2012, 04:54 PM

ask the vet if there is a circulatory problem --

ask the vet if there is a chance for bone cancer -- harsh , I know , but good to rule out --

11-21-2012, 05:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
eskimomonkey2 New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 2	Swollen joints I have a pure black german shepherd. He is having health issues concerning his joints. His hocks are swollen one noticably more than the other), as is his toe joints (which the vet says is very uncommon for a young dog). The pain seems to be most intense in the mornings. Sometimes its not bad, sometimes he cannot even get up. He is a young dog, only 3 years old so a degenerative arthuritus most common in older dogs is very unlikely. I brought him to the vet and they are currently testing for infection, lyme disease among other stuff such as the type of artheritus that is not related to age. They have also taken various x-rays. In the meantime, I would like to get some peoples advice as to what kinds of medicines or nutrients can be given for the swollen joints, or if people may have an idea as to what could be causing the problem. Thank you for any input.

11-21-2012, 05:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
Elaine Crowned Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4,832	Did they do joint taps? __________________ Elaine and the herd

11-21-2012, 05:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
GatorBytes Knighted Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Southern Ontario Posts: 2,152	Can you post pics. I this obvious swelling or just to your trained eye and noticed due to lameness? If lyme or other type of tick illness that could very well show up as swelling. What do you feed, any extensive exercise, jumping at squirrels? Recent vaccines or medications? __________________ He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. - Unknown

11-22-2012, 04:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Elaine Crowned Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4,832	I don't know what's wrong with your dog and you are going to have to wait for more test results to come back before figuring out what to do about it. I can say that this is very abnormal and that's about it. Maybe something immune related? I don't know. __________________ Elaine and the herd

11-22-2012, 04:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
eskimomonkey2 New Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 2	Yes they did a joint tap and are doing tests on the fluid which was clear in colour, I should here from them within a few days. One hock on his hind leg is noticably more swollem than the other, and the toe joints aren't as obvious. He doesn't excercise much because of his discomfort, but even when he was healthy he was never very active. He is fed Performatrin Ultra which seems to be the only food I have been able to feed him that doesn't result in allergic reactions such as dry, flakey skin, excessive itching and hot spots. The swollen howk is very soft to the touch and feels as though it is full of fluid. Thanks for the replies!

11-22-2012, 04:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
carmspack Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: ontario - Posts: 5,558	ask the vet if there is a circulatory problem -- ask the vet if there is a chance for bone cancer -- harsh , I know , but good to rule out --

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
German Shepherd Advertisement