Dixie, 8 lb chi, has poss sprained wrist from full speed rabbit chase 9 days ago. Afterward that evening she wouldn't bear any weight on it & held it up continually. I gave her Homeopet Joint Stress (has Arnica, Rhus Tox, Hypericum, Calendula...) and iced it.

Next morning(Thurs), she was bearing weight but very lame. She's only slightly improved now, I've continued the Homeopet and now alternating ice & warm compresses. I did give her ~ 1/3 of 81mg aspirin over the weekend & Tues morning too. The aspirin didn't really make any noticible improvement.

I've been all over the shoulder, leg & foot. Can't find anything, not swollen, she doesn't wince anywhere. Today she's started doing a lot of stretching of front legs, like play bows when she first gets up & moving. Finally got vet appt yesterday.

Vet said no broken bones but maybe a sprained wrist, it felt a bit different than the other, no x-ray. Rx: 3 Deramaxx pills(25 mg) to give as 1/4 per day for 12 days, R&R, no jumping, leash walk for potty. Of course, she didn't explain any risks, just "this anti-inflammatory will make her feel better." Online fact sheet says to wait 7-14 days after any other NSAIDS or aspirin before giving Deramaxx. I brought the meds home, haven't given any & don't want to.

Vet said come back if no better and would consider an x-ray or that there's more serious ligament damage.

In mail today, I just got DGP. Will this help with a sprain with inflammation or is this more for arthritis? Any other recommendations?

I know some people swear by Arnica for sprain relief. I don't know much about it, just remember reading about it here.

I hope she's feeling better soon!

Do some research on Deramaxx before you give it. The vet I took Jack to prescribed it but told me not to give it until he got blood tests back to ensure that liver & kidney function were OK. Did you vet check Dixie's liver & kidney values?

Bari warned me about Deramaxx when I posted about Jack and what I read scared me enough that I stopped giving it. I switched to an OTC nsaid/aspirin for the inflammation. It may take a little longer, but I feel a lot safer giving it.

I hope whatever is going on with Dixie resolves itself soon and she's feeling better!

I've been reading about the Deramaxx & I'm not going to give it. The vet did NOT do bloodwork. It scares me too. That's why I'm hoping for some answers from those more knowledgeable than myself about the DGP and other ways to treat the inflammation. I have some difficulty converting some dosages to small enough.

I sprained my ankle BADLY on Sunday. I swear by Arnica now Normally it takes me about a week for swelling to go down etc. This time I took Arnica each day until the swelling went down...so 3 days in a row and I as walking normally the next day on Monday. No bruising and I felt great. I put Ice on it and then warm compresses later as well.

Arnica is great when given immediately after a sprain, but since it's already been 9 days it's not necessarily indicated here.

I would only worry about Deramaxx and no bloodwork if you were doing it long term.Your vet only gave you a small quantity, your dog is not to be on it long term. Personally for me (and I work in veterinary) I would go ahead and give it. Pain is no fun and can actually slow the healing process.

If you are REALLY worried about the Deramaxx, you might try Traumeel and/ or Zeel. My Holistic vet LOVES it.

Also check and see if any vets in your area have the low light laser. Most rehabilitation clinics have them, and so do a lot of equine and holistic vets. It works WONDERS!

I would really consider a radiograph if she is not improving.

Here's to a speedy recovery.

No other suggestions, but get well soon for sure. Poor little thing.