rufus Posted June 28, 2003 Posted June 28, 2003 Can anyone please advise? Last night I took my eyes off Rufus (aged 13wks) for a minute - well actually I needed the loo - and he thought it'd be a good idea to go upstairs. When I saw him he was two thirds of the way up and decided that instead of walking back down he would JUMP !!! He somersaulted and hit the bottom like a sack of potatoes. I've never heard a dog cry like it in all my life. He ran to a corner and I managed to quieten him while inspecting him at the same time. When he stood he'd wet himself (understandable) but there was also a very small spot of blood. I cannot find anywhere that is cut so I can only think that he knocked the tip of his tail where it had been docked shortly after birth (he's and Old English Sheepdog). I called the vet to check and was told that as long as he's moving and not in any obvious signs of pain, just to keep my eye on him. He did sleep quite a bit last night but I put this down to shock as when he was awake he still wanted to play. However, today he seems quite lathargic - I've checked him from head to foot and he seems ok but doesn't seem interested in much else. Does anyone have any suggestions? Oh, by the way, first thing this morning I bought a baby gate which is now at the foot of the stairs. Quote
ellieangel Posted June 28, 2003 Posted June 28, 2003 This post brings back memories for me !!! When Ellie was just 8 weeks old we went round to the inlaws for a BBQ and Ellie had a mad five minutes and whacked into a tree,blimey anyone would have thought there was a banshee in great pain in the garden !!!!! I picked her up and calmed her down and she seemed to be ok so I put her down but as she put the weight on one of her legs she started screaming again I couldn't bear it so we rushed her down to the vets it was out of hours of course :roll: and a bank holiday :roll: the vet checked her over and she was starting to put weight on her paw without squealing so she just gave her a painkilling jab and said see how you go. Well when we got back to the house I put her down gently and no sooner had I put her down she was running around like a mad thing again !! Honestly though when she did it she cried terribly it was horrible ! I would say that Rufus was just screaming as puppies do ! Was the blood in his wee or was it separate ? If it was from his wee (I would check next time he goes) then I would take him to the vet but if you think it was just from a little knock then I would keep my eye on him but try not to worry I'm sure he will be fine. :wink: Quote
imported_Cassie Posted June 28, 2003 Posted June 28, 2003 I'm a worry wart.. if this were to happen to one of my dogs...to ease my own mind I would take my puppy to the Vet for an examination. I would be very concerned if my dog started acting abnormally or lethargic after a fall. Quote
schippsmom Posted June 28, 2003 Posted June 28, 2003 Wow, if he's lethargic still I would definately get him to the vet. You didn't say if the blood was in the urine, if it is he's probably bruised (or worse) a kidney. I worry alot too so I would take him to a vet immediately. Keep us posted on how everything turns out. :( Quote
mouseatthebusstop Posted June 28, 2003 Posted June 28, 2003 I AM A WORRIER TOO. I WOULD GO TO THE VETS FOR MY OWN PEACE OF MIND :) Quote
Carolk9s Posted June 28, 2003 Posted June 28, 2003 I'm with the take him to the vet brigade! He might have a soft tissue injury, maybe just bruised and will be fine but just to be sure... Quote
Angelboddy Posted June 28, 2003 Posted June 28, 2003 I also vote to take him to the vet. :D Just to be on the safe side. And please keep us updated on how he is doing. Quote
Guest Anonymous Posted June 28, 2003 Posted June 28, 2003 Another possibility for the blood is a tooth. Did he hit his face on anything? He is old enough that he could have knocked a baby tooth loose or out. He might just be sore too. Half a baby aspirin might help him feel a little better til you can get a full work up. Quote
courtnek Posted June 29, 2003 Posted June 29, 2003 PLEASE!! TAKE HIM TO THE VET!! Dogs can tolerate pain (even puppies) that would have you and I screaming....he may have injured a kidney in the fall, or his bladder. He could also have pulled or strained some muscles....for you peace of mind (and mine) please take him in and have him X-rayed and examined..... especially if he remains lethargic!! :( let us know!! Quote
rufus Posted June 29, 2003 Author Posted June 29, 2003 Many thanks for the advice and support. The blood was not in his wee but definately from his rear end. I've checked his pooh today and there is no blood in that either. Since I first posted, I contacted the vet again and asked her if she'd check him over - I took him the the surgery and she took his temperature etc and seemed sure he's ok (if I'm still not happy I have to take him back on Monday). After his visit to the vet, he has played in the garden with his favourite toy and he's eating and drinking ok but still wants to sleep a lot. Could it be that his sleeping is typical for a pup of his age??? I've never had a pup before and I've only had Rufus since Tuesday - maybe he feels settled enough to be himself now? Quote
pei obssessed Posted June 29, 2003 Posted June 29, 2003 If the vet thinks he's ok, and he acts ok otherwise, then, yes, the sleeping is probably puppy sleeping. At that age my pup slept about 80% of the time (which hasn't changed that much :lol: ), but when awake she was quite a devil (that hasn't changed much either :lol: ). I'd say that if he is active when he is awake, and just sleeps a lot, then it's normal... Quote
courtnek Posted June 29, 2003 Posted June 29, 2003 If he was sleeping this much before his fall it's probably ok....puppies do sleep alot, just like babies. Also, is it warm now in the UK? he could just be hot.... It's very warm here in the states and all my lab wants to do is sleep... me too, for that matter...trying to avoid turning on the A/C :D Quote
rufus Posted June 29, 2003 Author Posted June 29, 2003 I'm glad to report that he'd doing OK - he's eating & drinking and running round the garden like a mad-thing - when he's awake that is :lol: Yes it is very warm in the UK now and while I was hosing down the garden this morning he thought he'd get in on the act !!! I haven't seen anymore blood since that first spot so I'm very happy now :D He started crying at 5.30 this morning to be let out and he hadn't left me any parcels to clean up - woohoo. Thank you all for the advice. Quote
courtnek Posted June 29, 2003 Posted June 29, 2003 OH GOOD!! thanks so much It's time to get him a little plastic baby pool. If he likes to be sprinkled, he'll love a pool and it will keep him cool in the summer So glad he's better! Poor little pup, they are so silly sometimes... :D Quote
imported_Cassie Posted June 30, 2003 Posted June 30, 2003 I'm glad your pup is better..nothing worse than the fright of a fall.... Your pup is very lucky to have such a caring parent! Good luck, and I can hardly wait till you post some pictures of your Pup :angel: Quote
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