My Choccy Lab

[krusty]

My Choccy Lab ‘Willow’ has (all of this week) been constantly licking her foot / leg. (Same Leg) She’s also licking the floor and even had a go at humping Mrs. K last night. She’s just turned 5 and otherwise a healthy girl and adorable part of my family.

The things I’ve noticed/done/doing are.

1. Nails are the correct length, done last weekend – not over clipped - no blood
2. No soreness to pads or between toes
3. I thought ‘Yeast infection’ – added cider apple vinegar to water – no difference.
4. My Black Lab ‘Ella’ stands over her, watching intently (not done that before)
5. No new diet – been on the same food for a couple of years.
6. Not in season, not due a season until May
7. Very Needy.. Always was a little but more of a limpet at the moment.

Last weekend we went for a good ten mile woodland walk. They were both knackered by the end of it and the next day I noticed she was limping a little……. So I rubbed some Olive Oil into her feet…….. all good after that and the licking also didn’t start until a couple of days after….. Tomorrow morning I’m taking them to the Beach for a swim and then intend to have another look at how she’s acting….
The basic question is should I take her to the Vet? What am I missing / not understanding?

Thanks in Advance.

[bexVN]

Yes take her to a vet.

Lots of possibilities so not really able to give specifics unfortunately.

While she is a wee bit young I do wonder if she is showing early signs of a pyo (womb infection) it was the first thing I wondered before reading she was entire still (the humping, the other dog watching over her, more clingy)

The licking can be dissociative pain/discomfort. Ie they don't feel right, have a discomfort but can't reach the spot or they can't pinpoint it so they lick somewhere they can reach. Obviously being a lab her legs should be checked as well.

So as you can see there isn't much that I can suggest that you can do at home so personally I would get a vets opinion and get her a good od health check.

Oh and if she has had some limping the beach walk/swim may not the most sensible idea incase she does have some underlying limb issue.

Edited by bexVN on Friday 26th January 13:32

[krusty]

Took her to the vet Friday night and it turned out she not only had split a nail but also had broken a toe... Had it removed, sorted there and then, there was an infection that needs AB's so we've got the next 10 days of rest, plastic boot for on the lead toilet breaks and dressing changes every 3 days... an insurance job in the end....

so the lessons learnt are - If in doubt.. go to the vet.