This is Toffee with Fiona George from 'Colchester Canine Massage' Please see 'Some great professionals' on this site for more information on her and how to contact her.
Introduction
Meet Toffee, our adorable Show Cocker Spaniel who has brought endless joy to our lives since she was a puppy. Toffee is a bundle of energy, with a shiny coat and the most affectionate nature you can imagine. She enjoys Agility and Scent hurdles and any sport she tries. However, since she was about a year old, we've noticed something peculiar: Toffee has been skipping with her right rear leg. Initially, the Vet wasn't overly concerned, but the issue persisted. Here’s an update on Toffee's journey and our ongoing quest to understand and alleviate her discomfort.
The Early Days
Toffee’s skipping started subtly. She would occasionally lift her right rear leg and hop for a few steps before returning to her usual gait. We took her to the vet, who reassured us that it wasn’t a significant concern at the time. Toffee continued to thrive, participating agility and enjoying her daily activities, albeit with the occasional skip.
Exploring Solutions: Canine Massage Therapy
As the skipping became more frequent, we decided to explore alternative therapies. That’s when we found Fiona at Colchester Canine Massage. Toffee began her weekly massage sessions, and the results were promising. The massages seemed to provide her with relief, and she appeared more comfortable and relaxed. However, despite these benefits, the skipping did not disappear and seemed to be occurring more following agility and training.
Today’s Vet Visit: A New Step Forward
Today, we visited the vet again to discuss Toffee’s condition. The vet suggested that it’s time for an X-ray to get a clearer picture of what might be causing the issue. This recommendation has given us a sense of direction. There are several potential reasons for Toffee's skipping, and an X-ray will help us pinpoint the exact cause.
What Could It Be?
While we wait for the X-ray appointment, here are a few possibilities the vet mentioned:
Luxating Patella: This is a common issue in smaller dog breeds where the kneecap slips out of place, causing intermittent skipping or lameness.
Hip Dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip socket could be causing discomfort, leading Toffee to favor her other legs.
Ligament Injuries: Toffee could have a partial tear in one of her ligaments, such as the cranial cruciate ligament, which might not have healed properly.
Arthritis: Even at a young age, dogs can develop arthritis, leading to pain and altered movement patterns.
Muscle Strain or Injury: A lingering muscle strain could also be causing her to skip.
Looking Ahead
Our next step is the X-ray, which will hopefully shed light on Toffee’s condition. We remain optimistic and are committed to finding the best possible treatment to ensure she can continue living a happy, active life. Toffee's cuddly nature and playful spirit inspire us every day, and we are determined to see her through this challenge.
Conclusion
Toffee’s journey is a reminder of the importance of being attentive and proactive about our pets' health. While the road has been uncertain, we are grateful for the support from our vet and Fiona at Colchester Canine Massage. We will keep you updated on Toffee's progress and share any insights we gain from the X-ray. Thank you for being a part of Toffee’s story, and keep watching as we continue this journey toward a solution.
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