Dog bites it's own leg, but the problem isn't..

[Oddsock]

...her leg. Has your dog done this?

Lunch time yesterday, Pip started to bite her leg, just above her paw pad. She refused to walk, looked scared/in pain. Wanted to be held. She then started biting her knee and took one bite of her stomach.

We checked over her leg, in case she'd picked up a thorn or something. Of course we took her to the vet that afternoon. He checked her leg over very thoroughly and said there was nothing wrong with it.

He started to tell us of a case he claimed was similar. He'd been called to home visit to put a German Shepherd to sleep, as it could no longer walk. He knocked on the door and it came to the door barking. Which confused him, he been told it couldn't move. Mostly it wouldn't leave it's bed. Turned out dog needed it's anal glands emptying and problem was solved. Owners hadn't even taken it to a vet to find the problem.

Vet then emptied Pip's anal glands. She seems fine now and lot happier. She never scooted on the floor, as you see some dogs, when they have anal problems. Have you heard of dogs biting their leg and tummy when they have a full anal glands?

[pstinard]

I wonder whether overly full anal glands can put pressure on nerves that affect other parts of the body, so the dog doesn't know exactly where the pain is?

[Oddsock]

Originally Posted by pstinard

I wonder whether overly full anal glands can put pressure on nerves that affect other parts of the body, so the dog doesn't know exactly where the pain is?

That's what I'd thought too. Perhaps like a siaticia pain. It was her back leg, she was biting, yesterday. Yet she does have front leg problems.

When running around sometimes, she suddenly stops, stiffens one of the front legs, holding it straight out in front of her. staring at it and obviously in pain. It lasts a few seconds. Happens to either front leg. Vets disagree with the reasons, but say nothing can be done. So nerve pain seems to be a problem for her. Last vet said it was due to the fact her dew claws had been removed badly by the breeders friend. This last vet disagrees.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Poor baby! Since dogs can't tell us their problems, they usually change behavior in some way when something is bothering them and, frustrated, they don't know what to do to stop the pain or problem so they often behave irrationally out of utter vexation.

I always take a dog to the vet as soon as I notice a change in behavior or anything out of the norm. Good for you, mom!

[Wylie's Mom]

My guess would be she gut stung by an insect. Anytime you suspect that, it's good to give Benadryl @ 2mg/lb - it won't hurt anything; but can save a life.

[Oddsock]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

My guess would be she gut stung by an insect. Anytime you suspect that, it's good to give Benadryl @ 2mg/lb - it won't hurt anything; but can save a life.

She stopped biting herself as soon as her anal glands were emptied. So the vet does seem to be right. It wasn't something I'd of guessed as the cause, so wondered if anyone here had something similar happen. She's really perky now.

We do keep some Benadryl in, just in case something happens, especially as Caleb has allergies, with all sorts of plants. Something I learnt here, from good people like you, who pass on that good advice.

[Oddsock]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Poor baby! Since dogs can't tell us their problems, they usually change behavior in some way when something is bothering them and, frustrated, they don't know what to do to stop the pain or problem so they often behave irrationally out of utter vexation.

I always take a dog to the vet as soon as I notice a change in behavior or anything out of the norm. Good for you, mom!

Oh I was wishing so much that she could talk. Especially as she doesn't cry out in pain. Now we know she acts this way, we'll be more aware. But yes the vets are the people to go to quickly, when our babies are off in any way. I just hope she wasn't suffering before she started biting the leg.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Oddsock

Oh I was wishing so much that she could talk. Especially as she doesn't cry out in pain. Now we know she acts this way, we'll be more aware. But yes the vets are the people to go to quickly, when our babies are off in any way. I just hope she wasn't suffering before she started biting the leg.

Awful to think what they go through without being to tel us. So glad you 'listened' by watching and responding to her way of saying something wasn't right.