Grizz is currently undergoing his first relapse of puppy strangles and is back to 10 mg of Pred a day in addition to 3 antibiotics. Although he did not have the common symptoms he was diagnosed with puppy strangles on Nov 31 and began aggressive steroid treatment two days later. During his initial onset of the strangles he did have swollen joints while in the hospital (although I’m not sure how many on which specifically were swollen). On the morning of Thursday 17, we woke up to find Grizz favoring his front left paw, no swelling at the time. Took him to the vet and they felt he was undergoing his first relapse (he also had a fever). Later that day he began to put pressure on the paw and continued to do so, now he is even running on it. The swelling began on Friday the 18 and has not gotten bigger or smaller than the initial onset. He does not seem to be in pain, no shivering, favoring, fever or reaction when I touch or try to bend the joint.

Any ideas what this could be or is it just related to the strangles and it needs more time for the Pred to reach this joint. He has an appointment on Monday if the swelling does not go down. We are already financially stretched out because of his week stay in the hospital (only four days after rescuing him from the SPCA) so I’m hoping and praying he won’t need an MRI, CAT scan, or X ray. if anyone has any idea what this could be, I would so appreciate it. I’m currently icing the joint for ten minutes every few hours. Poor guy has gone through so much in his short time here.