Can't put weight on his leg.

Dr. Marie replied:

Sorry to hear that Oscar is not doing well!

There are a few things that can cause a dog to have a sudden lameness on a hind leg.

The most common reason for this would be if he has torn a ligament in his knee. If this is the case, the pain will be a little better in a day or two. However, if there is a torn ligament then he may need to have surgery on the knee.

It's also possible that he has simply pulled a muscle.

Unfortunately I don't usually recommend giving any medication at home until we know what the problem is. Sometimes an animal will benefit from aspirin. But, if you do end up taking him to the vet's and he has had aspirin then they may not be able to give him more effective drugs until the aspirin is out of his system.

It's also possible that he has a serious problem with his back. If he is having trouble standing up this could be the concern.

In some areas, vets will do house calls. Is this a possibility for you?

I wish I could tell you more, but this is a tough one to diagnose online. It does sound like he should see a vet. Do you have a neighbor that could help you? If so, you could try carrying him in a large blanket.

Let me know if I can answer more questions for you. I am in between appointments this morning but will check on you for a reply.

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

Hmmm....I am concerned by the fact that he has a black mass on his jaw. If this is cancer, then a cancer in the mouth can be very aggressive. I'm concerned that the lameness could be connected to the problem with his mouth.

If there was an infection there could be some shaking but it shouldn't affect his mobility as much as it is.

Is there any chance that the black mass is a tick? If so, some dogs can get something called tick paralysis after a tick bite.

It does sound like he should see the vet sooner than next week.

Again, let me know if you have more questions.

Dr. Marie.

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh John, I'm very sorry that you had to put Oscar down. I am glad as well that you were able to take him in sooner rather than him being in pain for any longer than was necessary.

If it is any consolation I really understand what you are going through. My own dear dog Eddie tore his cruciate ligament when he was very old and had a bunch of other problems. He was unable to move so I brought the euthanasia supplies home and put him to sleep in my bedroom. It was very sad.

Thank you for the update and I pray that your family is comforted in this time of grief.

Dr. Marie.