14 Week old GSD puppy limping

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by Turk on 15 September 2009 - 13:09

My female puppy started limping about 2 weeks ago. Her other symptoms are; she can't get comfortable always moving around, when she runs it's almost like she's going to fall forward, she walks very carefully, she trips over her front paws..... Initially, I called the breeder and he said it was Pano, limit her exercise and give her ascription and it will go away eventually. Pano makes sense because she is growing very fast, gaining about 10lbs every 3 weeks. She appears to be better but not 100%. My previous dog had HD and ED so I've been stressed out the last two weeks and am somewhat nervous. The breeder I bought the pup from has had this line of GSD for 5 generations with no serious issues. Also, the breeder actively works the dogs in competition so I was comfortable that I was getting a sound pup from good bloodlines. I have a vet appt tonight and I'm hoping all will be ok. Any thoughts are appreciated.

by Ryanhaus on 15 September 2009 - 14:09

Hi Turk,
If you are feeding large breed puppy food, or any puppy food, switch to a quality adult dog food, your pup will have a slower growth that will allow her bones to become thick & strong thus having a lower chance at developing HD, less protein is better for a large breed dog.

I feed all my pups adult dog food from day one, your pup sounds like it is experiencing rapid bone growth, so she seems to be tripping over her feet, my teenage children went through that stage also

Your pup should still grow to her full potential!

Good luck with her at the vets, hope that's all it is.

Paula

by Turk on 15 September 2009 - 14:09

Thanks Paula. I feed Taste of the Wild Pacific Salmon - has about 26% protein, with AFS freeze dried beef (40% protein) - 50/50 mix. I also supplement with one scoup of Puppy Gold powder (30% protein) 2x's a day. I cut the beef and powder in half because of all the articles I was reading about Pano and high protein diets and it seemed to help. Also, she has been eating less - most likely because she's losing her teeth and the reduced activity. She went from eating 4-5 cups a day to 2-3 cups a day. She dosen't look skinny and her stool has been good so I'm not too worried about the reduced food intake.

by SitasMom on 15 September 2009 - 15:09

that's a LOT of protein!

what did the breeder suggest you feed?

by Turk on 15 September 2009 - 15:09

The feeding instructions are what the breeder suugested I do. 2 cups of TOTW, 2 cups of Beef and 2 scoups of powder per day. I didn't think much of it because I wanted to make sure she got the nutrition she needed to develop correctly. I hope I didn't hurt her.

by vom howeser on 15 September 2009 - 16:09

Hey Turk.
       My male was also limping for about a week and a half . He's 16 weeks old now and when we looked at the bottom of his pads, he had blisters from walking him too much. maybe hold back on too much exercise at this age. I also feed TOTW Free range 32% protien and supplement with hip and joint plus with wild salmon oil and i dont think thats too much protien. If his pads are o.k then I would take him to the vet and get him x-rayed or checked for any problems.

     Matt.

by shostring on 15 September 2009 - 16:09

Hi Turk,
My young male pup did all the things that your pup is doing so I did what Paula has said switch to a good adult food and gentle exercise my boy is now 14 months old has a good hip score total 10 wishing you good luck with her and try not to worry to much
Rosie

by Turk on 15 September 2009 - 17:09

I appreciate the input from every one of you - thanks!!

I have been walking her for about 15 minutes every morning but I checked her front paws and didn't notice any splinters/blisters or anything like that. I rubbed my fingers softly all over her front legs and shoulders with no adverse reactions. I bent her her elbows and wrists gently and it didn't bother her so whatever it is it's puzzing me. From what I can calculate, averaged, her protein intake is around 32%.

I want to thank everyone for replying and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

by DebiSue on 15 September 2009 - 17:09

Turk,
Please cut back on the protein. Way too much. You also mentioned the pup wasn't skinny...is it fat? How often are you feeding the pup. You should be feeding no less than 3 times a day at this age and the pup should be thin...it's better on the joints. He may indeed have pano because he is getting too much protein and perhaps too much food. It depends on the food but my dog is thriving on 2 cups kibble (1 cup morning 1 cup evening) and she is 11mo old. She's not overly thin, she is energetic and her coat is awesome. She's been on adult dog food since she was 3mo old. When they are getting enough, most puppies will cut back themselves but not all of them. Your pup should be a little hungry rather than stuffed to the gills.

Let us know how the vet visit turns out!
Deb

by Turk on 15 September 2009 - 17:09

Hi Deb - I don't think she's fat - tight underbelly with a little rib showing and a nice thickness when you pinch her skin. I feed her 2x's a day and she was eating 4-5 cups. On her own she cut back on the food and is eating 2-3 cups, sometimes there's leftover. I use all stages TOTW food. I will keep her on 2 cups with 1 scoup of puppy gold and moniter her - will take a pix and keep you posted, thanks!

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