I have a serious dog question

[GURUving]

About a week ago, he jumped up on me, and I heard a pop in one of his front legs. I was afraid he had broken something, but he didn't make a sound, has been running around without limping, and hasn't complained.

Tonight, I notice he keeps licking his right "elbow." He also keeps finding ways to get me to look at it and lightly hold it. It isn't swollen. He doesn't act like he's in any pain, but is constantly licking it. He still walks on it without a limp, but I know something is wrong.

Could it be a fracture that is getting worse as he walks around on it?

Could it just be maybe a slight ligament tear or something like that?

Should I wait to see if he starts having to limp or acts in pain before I take him to a vet?

[madrchsod]

1. take him to the vet

sometimes animals don`t show the pain they are in. it maybe nothing but you never know.

[WealthAndDemocracy]

2. I would take him to the vet

[Tripper11]

3. Maybe get him in for a check up with the vet

If you have the means.
One of our cats started limping completely out of the blue, and as much as we would have wnated to take him to the vet to have him checked out we couldn't afford it. Within a couple days he was totally fine, and doing all the running around he always did.
It would come and go over a couple months but hasn't returned in quite some time.
I guess what I'm saying is if he's not in any visible pain, let him be, but keep an eye on him, if something crops up, he starts favoring the leg or limping, get him in for x-rays.

[proud patriot]

4. I'd have it checked out n/t

[GURUving]

5. I have to take him to the vet

I just wish he would let me know sooner he doesn't feel good. He just looks at me and holds his right leg out like I can get rid of whatever's wrong. It's killing me. He licks my hands when I'm holding him. At least he has the couch to sleep on.

To the vet tomorrow.

[ramapo]

6. Call the vet tomorrow

Probably not a fracture but it's obviously not right.

Get him checked out.

[kixot]

7. Try wrapping it in sport gauze first.

Give him a few more days and delicately massage the area with rubbing alcohol. It's likely that he's got a tendon or ligament issue which the vet is not going to be able to diagnose and treat on the cheap. Keep an eye on him and try to figure out when he's in pain. Giving him a half an asprin mixed into something can help with that, too.

On edit: I'm not saying neglect the vet visit, but do what home remedies you can first.

[GURUving]

10. That's what my first thought was

but then, I don't want to err on the side of too much caution.

I think it has to be a strained ligament or something. Sports gauze sounds like a good idea.

Damn. If vets charged the same amount as convenience stores did for a coke and burrito combo, I wouldn't be having this dilemma.

Thanks everybody!

[necso]

8. I was going to say wait.

My bet is that it was just a joint popping. Has happened to me plenty of times and I haven't been to the vet yet.

I think that he is just playing you. But no harm in going to the vet --- although I would wager that isn't what he has in mind..

[chookie]

9. Definitely a trip to the vet is in order

It could be any number of conditions -- most of which can be diagnosed either by merely examining him, or with an x-ray. No need to wait until he is acutely suffering the symptom.

It could be a ligament slipping in and out of the groove of a bone, as well.

Good luck to you and Poochie.

[TheMiddleRoad]

11. Could be

Could be he's just sore.

You may just try to see if gets better.

[peacebuzzard]

12. I wouldn't worry.......

honestly, if he is not limping, he is drinking water and eating food, he is fine!!!! Take my word !!! I had a Great Dane once who absolutely knew if I was worried about one of his paws. He would limp sometimes just to get attention..... he was a clown...But I have several dogs here and just so long as they eat and drink, they are fine. I was given my last one and poor thing limped for three weeks before he healed. But he was also very skinny and in fairly bad shape from his life as a stray...but he healed, quit limping, got fat and now lives with 3 other rescue dogs I have. I do have one going in to the vet tomorrow but she has a large tumour growing on her chest...it is very obvious and fast growing. I am sure it needs to come off. But if your dog has no visible symptoms, and is ok with all vitals.....dont worry....life goes on. And many vets, I hate to say it, buy many vets will rip you off, that is the truth...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

13. Sounds to me like something's dislocated...

I'd take him to the vet.

[Lostmessage]

14. How old is he?

He could have a hereditary condition that causes it to pop in and out.