Tucker not bearing weight!

[Smoochies]

I'm hoping someone might be able to give us some insight here, since we're in a complete panic

For no reason that we can determine, Tucker is unable to bear weight on his back left leg. He was fine this morning, and all afternoon. There was no rough play, or any slip/falls that we saw, but very suddenly, he's unable to put any weight on that leg. He is struggling to get up off the floor, and when he is up, he's holding it up off the ground, sometimes touching his toe down for balance, but thats it.

He's showing its uncomfortable to lay on either side, and is trying to sleep while holding his leg up in the air. He is able to lay flat on his back, airing his boy-bits out with his legs wide open (as the boys tend to do LOL) but when he stretches, he wont extend that leg. he's trying to hold it closer to the body.

He's not whining or crying... I just dont know what is wrong, or how to help him

Anyone have any ideas? or suggestions to help? (I am calling the vet in the morning if he's not better, but I dont have the money to take him in till Thursday, dont know how much they can help without seeing him till then)

[Swissies4Me]

Poor guy. No advice, but I hope it's nothing major and he's back to himself in no time.

[Truman's Mom]

I am miles from being any kind of expert but that sounds like what happened to my GSD when she blew out her knee. Sending good thoughts to Tucker!

[Swissy Mom]

I have no advice or suggestions, but I hope it isn't serious and that he's feeling better very soon.

[Yeti_Girl]

I was thinking a bit of Pano? Hopefully he'll sleep it off.

Good luck!

[gotbigdogs]

How old is Tucker? I agree with pano if he's fairly young... worse case it sounds like a torn ACL maybe?

[moondog]

Is he any better today??

[Smoochies]

I was really hoping he'd sleep it off, but no such luck... he seemed a bit better this morning when i got him out of his crate, he walked somewhat okay out of the bedroom and through the house, but once we got outside, he tried to run (was on leash) and you could see its still bothering him, and he's not able to play with Charlie this morning either (Tucker is usually the instigator). He's laying down now. Last night I had to actually pick up his back end to get him off the floor to go to bed

so forgive my stupidity, but what's pano?

Amanda, Tucker is about 7 months right now.... of course, our minds immediately went to HD, but I cant imagine that the symptoms would come on just like that *snap* Is there any way I can tell if its a torn ligament? because he's putting some weight on it today (not alot, but some) It seemed last night almost like rest made it worse, like he'd be practically falling over for a couple minutes before it loosened up enough to use it for balance...

[rudyandjjs_mom]

hope Tucker gets better quickly, Ashley! These pups can worry us so, can't they?

[Smoochies]

hope Tucker gets better quickly, Ashley! These pups can worry us so, can't they?

OMG you arent kidding!! I've been so stressed out since last night I love berners (obviously LOL) but my 3 boys have aged me so much in the last 3 years from worrying about them

I just googled Pano, stupid me, I thought it was a medication :P it is a possibility...

[Marissa]

Ashley, I don't think it would be HD, the symptoms don't sound right. It doesn't suddenly come on and if it were HD, holding the leg up at an odd angle would make it hurt worse not better. It sounds like a possible muscle sprain or tear to me.

[Smoochies]

its not really at an odd angle, like an unnatural one, he's just holding it up when he's laying down, I'll try to get some video of it later... its just so worrying, and he's struggling to get up, its just breaking my heart... I hope its just a sprain or bruise but its the unknown thats killing us...

[Smoochies]

OKAY... went over his legs again, there seems to be a softness (swelling??) in his knee, so its not his hips... so... any ideas?

[moondog]

maybe he sprain it or twisted it some how....

[Smoochies]

maybe he sprain it or twisted it some how....

thats what we're hoping for, something that can be fixed with rest... REALLY dont want surgery

[Hounds_N_Leo]

I hated to post this but I'd take him to the vet for the drawer test...it sounds suspiciously like an knee thing. Hopefully not but if's a mere strain then not taking him in could lead to a full out tear.

[Smoochies]

Gina, I agree, I'm thinking a torn cruciate or something, although god knows how the hell he managed to do that... I feel sick :*( gotta check the finances to see what we can do...

[Hounds_N_Leo]

believe it or not CCL stuff is seldom a traumatic thing. Not spectacularly so. Chows and other straight hocked breeds, blow them just walking around really. I would make it sooner rather than later because sometimes IF the ligament is painful they bear MORE weight on the OTHER side and as a result...blow that side, too.

Best hopes it is something else, or just strain or something treatable by crate rest.

[Smoochies]

Thanks Gina... I've gone and picked up some icepacks to try to reduce the swelling, and we're booked for Friday at 10:30. I wish I could take him sooner, but I need my husband to help get him in the car and drive us there so I can sit with Tucker and keep him off his feet (he likes to stand in the car)

[Truman's Mom]

Sending good vibes for your vet visit!!