[xlilitalian9x]

Hi, my name is nikki. I have an 8 year old yellow lab. We had a snowstorm yesterday, so he was indoors all day, no playing no running, mainly just laying down. Seemingly out of nowhere when I got up to let him out, he started keeping his front leg up and seems to be in pain. I thought maybe he banged it on something but this morning it hadn't gotten better. His leg looks a bit swollen in one area and he won't put pressure on it at all. I can't bring him to the vet until Monday. I'm pretty sure it isn't broken because he hadn't done anything.. I don't know how this happened at all but is there anything I can give him for the pain until Monday?

[danielnoahsmommy]

Arthritis? Possible
Frozen pads? Possible

There must be a 24 hour vet clinic local. If you feel the above are not probable, I would not wait

[tickle]

You can give him an 80mg aspirin for the pain, but you must know how he hurt his leg ? I know what is going on with my animals all the time. However, our pets get arthritis pain in their joints and this could be the problem with your 8 year old. The cold and damp would effect him/her same as us when we get older. Make him comfortable, give him some loving and I am sure his pain will go away with the help of the aspirin. :)

[artlady]

Dogs don't really like to have ice bags on but I would try to ice that down .He is old he may just have slept on it the wrong way and being an old guy and not moving around due to weather he may just be tight with arthritis.

Have you done his toenails lately? In the winter they get long from not getting filed down on the sidewalk and maybe he has a long toenail,that could have gotten a little ingrown.

Feel around and see where the hurt is coming from.
If he is feverish at all I would encourage fluids and like Tickle said,aspirin for pain.

I used to give my German Shepard massages when he was older and he would moan in pleasure and stretch out.He had dysplasia and I know that affects Labs as well.

Sometimes the pain is a radiating pain and he could be limping because his back hurts.. pain sensors are weird like that.

Rub him and try to find the source.

I have been in a situation when there were no er vets and nothing open overnight.Its horrible.

I think if you get desperate you might want to call your local aspca if you have one,at least they may be able to refer you.

Good luck!

[starbuck8]

I would like to add, that if you choose to give your dog aspirin, it is important to give him the right dosage. I don't know his weight, but I'm just guessing. If he is in the 30-40 lb range, give him half an adult aspirin, or 1 baby aspirin. If he is 40-50lbs. 3/4 adult aspirin, or 2 baby aspirin. Only give every 12 hrs. and they must be given with food.

I would not apply a cold pack. You didn't mention any swelling. I would give him a warm cozy place to lay down. Maybe a big down comforter or something similar. Apply a warm water bottle, or if you don't have one, wet a towel with warm water, ring it out, and apply it to his leg, after giving him a massage. This will relax him, and give him some relief from the pain until you can get him to the vet.