Opinions RE: Mac's limping

I took Mac to the vet this afternoon because he has a gash on his front left leg, it's swollen and he's limping. The vet prescribed the antibiotic Baytril (half tab once a day for 10 days), and I had Metacam at home that he said I could give him for 3 days. The vet said he did see some bruising, but that the wound wasn't deep enough to need to be flushed. He said I could put a cold compress on it, and I should encourage him to keep walking on it and that would reduce the swelling. He didn't do x-rays because he said if something was broken he wouldn't be putting any weight on it.
This is the vet in the practice I switched away from because he has more of a "wait and see" attitude. The part I'm questioning is encouraging Mac to keep walking on it as much as possible. He will take a few steps, gingerly putting weight on the leg, and then he just plops down or waits for me to pick him up.
Does all this sound in line with anything you guys have experienced?

Personally, I wouldn't force any of my dogs to walk with a gashed leg. even one not deep enough to need stiches. And I would probably get a second opinion if I could afford it.

Give Mac some hugs from me.

Maryjo wrote:Personally, I wouldn't force any of my dogs to walk with a gashed leg. even one not deep enough to need stiches. And I would probably get a second opinion if I could afford it.

Give Mac some hugs from me.

Thanks, MJ. I'm going to let him rest as much as he wants tonight-I know my regular vet's office isn't open tomorrow because of the holiday, but there's someone else I've used for a second opinion before, maybe their office is open.

I would have him rest on it. How did the gash happen? Even with it broken, Mac may put weight on it. We had a little guy in rescue and his leg was broken, he kept on using it. So, you never know.

If you are uncomfortable enough to have to question the vet, then I would get a second opinion.

I'd be heading for a second opinion. My take is that if Mac doesn't want to put weight on it, there is a reason, so I'd rest him until I get the second opinion. Hugs to Mac and to you.

Renee wrote: How did the gash happen?

He and Tyson got into a scuffle this morning at breakfast, and I think that it may have happened then.

Pugsaunt wrote:I'd be heading for a second opinion. My take is that if Mac doesn't want to put weight on it, there is a reason, so I'd rest him until I get the second opinion. Hugs to Mac and to you.

He's putting weight on it, but is definitely favoring it. I think after rest tonight, I'll see how he's feeling in the morning and call the other vet to get another opinion.

Poor little guy! I agree with everyone in not making him put weight on it. Hope he's better soon.