Dogs with a bad limp

[doglovers524]

Hello, a question we took our female golden retiriever to a vet becasue of a very bad limp that came on all at once, you could not tell which side however. they took a xray of the left elbow and said nothing there its prob. athrestis or a pull, medication, we took the dog back again 14 days later saying nothing has changed and the limp seems worst, they took a picture of the right elbow because the limp was more defined now to that side, still nothing, more medication, we took the dog back 5 days later because again no change, I was there this time no examine to my knowledge other then xrays, they xrayed her paw at our request and nothing, we got a referral to go to an othreedic, he saw her 1 day later, upon him just looking at her he said it was swelling in her right shoulder, we will stop there, my question is should a vet have been able to tell about the swelling. I know she has a good coat but as being a professional they should have been able to determine she had a sweliing shoulder, they did fell her elbows and paws at the visit but no shoulder. would appreciate some insight. thanks John

[doglovers524]

Well its very possible but three visits and it was not found by our vet and yet one day later the specialist saw her and right away said a swelling shoulder was the issue, the question why was still to be decided. they thought possibly torn legimates but after the next day of test and ultra sound it was discovered she has a tumor no opertional. You are correct about finding a new vet but how do you find one that well do the job right, we had a vet for 30yrs and decided to retire, we felt very comfortable with him. We are not upset with them for not finding the cancer thats nature, were upset that even after there visits they did not notice the swelling, i do thank you for your input I know no oned perfect but were just puzzled. thanks John

[Margot49]

I take it you are referring to the front legs.
Perhaps there was no, or very little, swelling when your Vet did the exam.  I have no idea why they didn't examine the shoulder more closely.  Maybe he was looking more for ACL.  Hopefully, the Specialist was correct and what was the diagnosis?
One would hope a Specialist would find and be able to diagnose a disorder that is in question.
As in people, our GP doctors often miss something, although there are obvious symptoms, and refer to Specialists that are more case/disease specific.
As often happens, if we are not comfortable with a Vet, find a new one.