Joint Pain?

[FoxysMommy]

Hi everyone,

Foxy's just shy of two years old now, and just recently (I'd say within the last month) I've noticed some real changes in her... a bit less playful, a bit more "barky" and less cuddly.

During this time, we noticed that she was licking the inside of her front legs a lot -- to the point where the hair is thin and the skin is red. We took her to the vet, and they put her on allergy meds. When that didn't seem to work, they switched her to a steroid. It's been 2 weeks now on the steroid, and I don't see an improvement in the redness. We do stop her when we notice her licking, but obviously we can't stop her every time, and so she is still red on her front legs.

Another change I noticed is that she is totally and completely unwilling to go for walks with me in the morning. This is a total about-face; she always loved our morning walk (which is the same time/distance as our evening walk) but now she gets out, wanders back and forth on our street until she's done her business and then will NOT walk, and only walks in the direction of home.


I haven't had a clue about what may be causing this, until just now, when I realized she might have some pain in the joints in her front legs.

Obviously, I need to consult with the vet about it, but what experience have you all had with your dogs and joint pain or arthritis? Do they lick the joints, and when it first occurred, did you notice similar behavioral changes in your beloved corgis?

As always, any experience you can share is so very appreciated.

Thanks,
FoxysMommy

[Michael Romanos]

I'd be careful about administering steroids to Foxy. Steroids can have a long term adverse affect if given on a regular basis over a period of time. Licking or scratching may be an allergy but what kind? I have written an article about 'when a dog itches or scratches (or licks).'

The licking could be a response to pain and another pointer to this pain or pretty severe discomfort is Foxy turning down opportunities for walk and recreation. This is totally abnormal for a young, active Corgi. You need a vet who understands completely the situation. The morning thumbing up of a walk could be because what hurts is worse after a night's sleep (much like arthritis)

[FoxysMommy]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the response. Do you have a link to the article you've written about when a dog scratches or licks? I would like to read it.

I was (and the vet was) wary of administering the steroid, but she felt it was the next thing to do with the original allergy med not making a difference.

I am worried that she might be in pain, but at the same time, I feel silly because I guess I thought 2 yrs would just be too young for joint pain/arthritis...

[Michael Romanos]

send me an email request to: mjromanos@hotmail.com