Cast Off, Not Using Leg

Wren · 07-10-2010

Good Morning!

ome of you have read my otherposts about my Jack Russell, Trexon. He is doingmuch better..he even has someof hi sigh back now but I have a new question.

He got his cast taken off of his broken leg yesterday. Vet did xray and says it healed fine and there should be no more problems with it. The problem is that he is not using the leg at all. He wont put any weight on it. Just holds it up like it is still injured. When he walks/runs the "foot" just flops back and forth like there is no muscle control at all.

I know that the legs is still sore and probably stiff from being casted but how long before he starts to use it? Should I be worried about him never using it again? At what point do I contact the vet about it?

Maybe I am just being over protective, but with everything my little guy has gone thru I would rather be safe than sorry.

Thanks everyone!!

Wren

cigwyllt · 07-10-2010

Your vet should have told you what to expect in terms of when and how he would be using the leg - perhaps he could give you some simple physio exercises you could do with him at home to strengthen it.

But at the end of the day if he was mine the leg would be the least of my worries. He has done so well to survive a permanent limp would be nothing compared the with brain damage you were told he had suffered. 11 months ago my cousin's dog was knocked down on the road and his pelvis was broken in three places. They were unable to afford an operation so he was treated with pain killers and rest He is 100% well now although for months he didn't use one of his rear legs.

As long as you are doing everything the vet tells you to do I am sure he will be fine.

CorkyMax · 07-10-2010

If it were me, I would have no problem with calling the vet right now and telling him about it and see what he says. He should have told you to call him anyhow if you had any questions or problems!!

So glad to hear that little fighter is still improving--starting to get sight back is sure a big plus!! Maybe your pup is just not use to trying to use that leg yet after having it in the cast.

Yogi · 07-10-2010

You are being a little overprotective. The muscles have atrophied and will need time to strengthen. Just allow the pup time to acclimate at his own pace.