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Posted by: naomi 4/26/08
My 8yr old boxer was diagnosed with pulmonary oedema a few days ago,possibly due to lungworm. He is being treated and his breathing was starting to normalise. This morning he seemed unable to lay down and his leg was extremely painful on flexion. Emergency vet suspects its his cruciate and has given me metacam for the weekend as Im seeing my regular vet on monday for the lungworm thing. My problem is that he is in so much pain and cant lay down because its so painful to bend it so he has been standing all day which is adding to the stress on his breathing. My boyfriend helped me put him on his side so he can get some rest tonite at least. Any advice?? its breaking my heart to see him so stressed

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Ouch! In an 8 year0old boxer a cruciate injury sounds typical. But don't discount the accumulation of all the other aches and pains from osteoarthritis. Laying in one position for a long time often has this effect. "Cage pain," we call it. Shifting their weight, massages and short walks to relieve the stiffness are in order. If the Metacam is not enough, ask for something stronger. Plenty of very safe opiates are available--and they won't all make him drowsy.
# Posted By Dr. Patty Khuly | 4/28/08 9:29 AM
Sorry..I meant to say that *standing* or laying down can have this same effect. Make sure he's not refusing to lay down because he can't breathe well. Either way, he needs to be seen to consider whether his needs include more pain meds and/or more attention to his respiratory condition.
# Posted By Dr. Patty Khuly | 4/28/08 9:31 AM
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