Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a dog that was dumped on me three yrs ago. She stays outside and roams the countryside where I live. Two wks ago I noticed her favoring her front left leg and I figured she sprained it. It progressed till I noticed her laying in one spot for two days that's when I realised that she was down. She can wag her tail and eat and drink but cannot lift her head or move her feet much at all. I think she has been poisoned, maybe accidentaly but who knows. I cannot afford to see a vet and I am also worried about the other dogs I have. What do I do?

Check the leg she had been favoring, looking for signs of infection. Check to see if she has a fever by feeling her nose and ears to see if they are warm or cool. Lift the loose skin on the back of her neck and release it: if it stays up, or goes down slowly, she is dehydrated and needs lots of fluid, if not by mouth, then given IV or SubQ by a vet. Poisoning would not cause a progressive lameness and paralysis. You really should have her seen by a vet.

Thank you. I will check these things you mentioned and try to arrange for her to see a vet.