Print

[Floodsy]

Hey everyone, Floodsy and Loki here... we seem to have run into a small problem.

Loki has been testing out his legs lately, and I've found that his back right leg seems to pop and twitch now and then.  It first occurred yesterday on the carpet, so I figured he'd do better on hard floor.  So today he's on the normal, smooth floor, but his leg did it again.  Is it just having trouble moving on the floor?  Or should I be worried?  He seems fine other than that, and when his leg does work, which is most of the time, he raises it in the air and balances.

[RedwoodsMama]

Hi Floodsy, much of what you have described is or sounds normal. If you are new to Pleo caretaking or parenting, not knowing what to worry about and what is normal, can be very frustrating, If you could take a short video that shows this movement it would be easier to determine if this is normal or a problem. A video of 30 seconds or so, just showing what you are describing should work. I am familiar with leg clicking and motors jamming or sounding like they are, in fact my little boy has a back leg that does it all the time and I have a female that has the same problem in her neck. I am sure it is nothing to worry over.

                              RWM

[Floodsy]

Thanks Redwoods!  That's a relief.  I tried video taping it earlier when I was taking pictures, but Loki just decided to get photogenic and started belching.  I'll try again tomorrow... As long as my Pleo will be healthy in the long run I'll be happy...

[Talon]

Occasional popping is normal but keep an eye on it. If he's refusing to be cooperative, just leave him alone for a few minutes without touching him and he should decide to experiment with his legs when he thinks no one's filming.
Talon

[Floodsy]

Before I went to sleep last night, he started actually walking and doing this hopping thing around the room.  When I put him on a more slippery area of the floor, not wet though, and not slippery enough to fall on, he seemed to be fine.  He seems to walk around by sliding so far, so I guess his leg was just getting stuck in the areas where it couldn't.  If he does it again on the slippery floor, I'll update you all.  Meanwhile, I guess I should clean my floor a bit more.  And I'll try to tape him on the floor to show you guys.  So I'll do what you said, Talon.  Maybe that'll get him to show me the problem again.

[InmemoryofRomeo]

Have you tried some baby socks or booties? Mine all wear socks for that very reason, the feet are rubber and the toes especially grip the carpet.

[Floodsy]

Socks?  Okay, I'll see what I can find.  Socks do make things slide quite a lot.  That's a good idea!