Straining to understand spraining

Watson here, and I am trying to figure out what happened to my wrist. Surprisingly, it suddenly began to hurt, and I started limping. It is not as if I have been jumping from great heights or leaping from tall buildings. In fact, the only places I jump from are the couch or car.

I suspect it is a sprain and a bit of research confirmed this. Dog wrists are located on the foreleg just below the elbow and are especially prone to injury. Sprains affect the ligaments (tissues) that connect bones, especially those in the wrist and knee. Wrist sprains can happen from rough exercise or landing hard when jumping from the car.

There are three grades of sprains. Grade I is when a portion of the ligament is torn, but the joint is still functional. In Grade II the joint is only partially functional, but you still may be able to walk. Grade III is when damage to the ligament is severely and there is no connection between bones. In some extreme cases of grade II and III, your vet may recommend surgery.

My vet recommended anti-inflammatory medication for the discomfort from the sprain. Just like sprains in humans, putting ice on the wrist and resting will do wonders for healing. Wrist braces are another option, because they stabilize the joint to allow scar tissue to form a callus over the sprain for healing. Front leg splints work wonders for stronger support.

Unfortunately, chronic and progressive diseases such as arthritis can also cause pain in the wrist. Because there is no cure for arthritis, the only treatment is anti-inflammatory medication, exercise, and rest. Mom also has arthritis, so we take it easy when we are walking.
Thankfully, the sprain is getting better, and I am watching where I jump. No strain, no sprain is the new motto.
XOXO Watson

IN NEED OF
We desperately need Blue Buffalo puppy food! Presently, we have eight hungry puppies that are eating us out of house and home.

Dry cat food and Friskies wet. Dry dog food and Pedigree wet food. Our current supplier of donated food is no longer distributing food to shelters. We need help to maintain our guests.

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Aluminum cans. If you have cans to pick up, give us a call (775-423-7500) and we will come get them. You can also drop them off at CAPS..
  
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CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423 7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.
CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.                                                                 
Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Contact me at jkwmil@outlook.com.