Growing pains in a 7 week old puppy?

by Pam
(McComb, OH)

My daughter's new puppy all of the sudden can hardly walk. It is about 7 weeks old. The first couple of days they had him he was fine and now his back left leg seems like it is dead. They took it to the vet and he said it was just growing pains.

He drags himself (combat crawl). He seems very sad...he doesn't seem like he is in pain. The dr. prescribed rimadyl...which i think is an arthritis medication.

He is a labordoodle. Is this common???





Hi Pam
This is not common, and it's not normal! I also highly doubt that it's 'growing pains'!

The growing pains most vets and puppy owners see are due to a condition called Panosteitis. It's caused by inflammation in the bone and most often affects the front legs - resulting in limping, weakness, swelling and pain.

What you describe doesn't sound anything like that to me and I'd definitely recommend that you get your puppy back to your vet asap. Insist on another evaluation and get your little guy some help.

Labradors can have hip problems, but in a mixed breed these are less likely, and usually don't show up at such an early age. It could be a nerve problem, or an injury... impossible for me to tell, but your veterinarian should be able to give a more accurate diagnosis and I personally wouldn't settle for 'growing pains' as a satisfactory answer. Not with this degree of lameness.

If you're not happy with your vet's diagnosis or the treatment (or lack thereof) don't be afraid to get a second opinion. This little puppy needs help and he's relying on his human family to get it for him.

I wish you the best of luck and hope he's doing much better soon.