limping lab - lots of tests done!

[bbuster]

My 9 yr. old lab started limping in April - no known cause, but she has always been active - running, chasing the ball, etc. Had an MRI done by a neurologist (vet) and a number of biopsies - nothing. They are recommending I take her to Gainesville for nerve tests. She is not improving or getting worse; There is no difference if she has been sleeping for  6 hours or 10 minutes. I am beginning to think it is the paw - no signs of infection, etc. I'm not sure of x rays or mri included paw. She "paws" me with the bad leg! So she can move it - no whining! Any input is really appreciated!!

[Misfits4Me]

Hello & welcome......When you say MRI & xrays; What part of her leg were they done on?

Is she on any medication for the Limping or ANYTHING else? Like a joint supplement? How long has she been on them? Did they help?

Lymes Disease can cause this, but a blood test can rule it out.....Was this checked?

Is the Paw pad inflammed anywhere at all? Red or pink?

Please, let us know........Karla

[have 2 kids]

I know you said the vet has done alot of tests but have they done a test to check for a tick borne illness that has settled in one or more joints in her leg.   It is very rare that this occurs but it happened to a rescue dog we had adopted.  

[ginger899]

(Just a suggestion....it might not be this of course)
Get a really good magnifying glass, and examine her foot, pads, and in between the pads very thoroughly and carefully. Do it in a very good light and make sure she stays still while you do this. Also feel very carefully with your fingertips, around each pad, and between the pads.
She may possibly have a tiny thorn embedded. Sometimes, if the thorn has broken off all you will see is a small dark mark, sometimes very tiny, that doesn't wash away. The longer a thorn is embedded like that, the harder it is to find. And even the tiniest broken thorn can cause pain when it's walked on, even though it's hard to see.

This happened to my dog this Spring. She suddenly started limping, didn't want to go for walks, looked miserable. I started with her feet....there was a broken thorn which had embedded itself. It was so tiny it was almost impossible to see, but I could feel it with my fingertips.
My choice was either to get it out myself, or take her to the vet. I thought I'd have a go, as going to the vet would have meants sedation, possibly anesthetic, and stress for her. She is a good dog and stayed very still for me. It took me close to an hour to get it out. I bathed her pad with a cotton ball and warm water to soften the skin, then gently, gently, worked it out, and put antiseptic on the little wound.
The amazing difference in her afterwards was remarkable! She was racing around straight away! She looked like her normal self, and she had been limping for 3 days!