🤎Yeori Day 🤎

Last Sunday morning, August 23, something unexpected happened during our walk.

On the way home, my senior Shih Tzu, Yeoreum, suddenly lifted his left front leg and started trembling as if his leg had become stiff.

He seemed to be in pain, and his tongue even appeared slightly purple from the stress and discomfort.

When I gently touched his affected leg, he reacted as if it hurt.

I was worried that something serious had happened, so we immediately went to a nearby emergency veterinary hospital.

🏥 Our Visit to the Emergency Vet

The veterinarian carefully examined Yeoreum’s leg and checked the bone area. Thankfully, there did not appear to be any obvious problem with the bones.

The veterinarian thought that something might have irritated or possibly punctured his paw, so the area was disinfected and medication was prescribed.

Even after returning home, Yeoreum continued to hold up his front leg and tremble from time to time.

Thankfully, he gradually became calmer.

By the evening, he started walking little by little again, which was a huge relief.

🐶 A Follow-Up Visit the Next Day

Fortunately, Yeoreum already had a regular veterinary appointment scheduled for the following day for his usual check-up and medication.

After examining him again, our regular veterinarian thought that the episode was more consistent with a mild muscle spasm or temporary muscle contraction.

It was such a relief to know that there did not appear to be a serious bone-related problem.

🤎 What I Learned as a Dog Guardian

This experience reminded me how frightening it can be when your dog suddenly shows pain or starts trembling.

Dogs, just like people, can sometimes experience sudden muscle contractions or spasms. However, the cause can vary, so it is important not to assume that every episode of trembling is simply a muscle spasm.

If your dog suddenly starts holding up a leg or trembling, try to stay calm and help your dog feel safe and comfortable first.

Avoid forcing your dog to walk, and if possible, carefully check the paw for anything obvious that could be causing discomfort.

If the symptoms continue, your dog cannot properly use the leg, or other unusual signs appear, it is best to contact a veterinarian or visit an emergency veterinary hospital.

In Yeoreum’s case, his symptoms gradually improved, but I was very glad that we had him examined instead of simply waiting and guessing at home.

As a guardian of a senior dog, I’m learning that even a small change in the way Yeoreum walks can be worth paying attention to.

Every little sign can tell us something. 🐾

Sometimes, the best thing we can do is stay calm, observe carefully, and seek professional help when needed. 🤎

Then, please stay safe, and let’s always take good care of our beloved family pets. :) 🤎🐾

Disclaimer: This post is based on Yeoreum’s personal experience and is for general informational purposes only. It is not veterinary medical advice. If your dog shows sudden pain, trembling, difficulty walking, or other concerning symptoms, please consult a veterinarian.