Boxer dog limping after play, wrist swollen. Should I see a vet?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Oakley. She sounds like she is painful, and she may have strained or torn a ligament. I recommend resting her for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a leash, and bring her right back in when she's done. If she still appears painful after this time, then I would take her into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. She may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give her any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

Because this appears to be a recurring problem in Booker, meaning that this swelling and stiffness occurs after playing or walking, I would recommend have a physical exam, lameness exam, and x-rays done. It could be that he has a strained or torn ligament that is repeatedly aggravated, and he may need anti-inflammatories and pain medications along with rest to help it heal, which the vet can prescribe. I would have Booker seen by a vet today or tomorrow to have his leg examined, and rest him until he is able to see the vet. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the pictures I don’t see anything abnormal. But if it has been 3 days and he is still limping then he is painful somewhere. In a younger dog it could be from growing but they could still have small fractures without swelling. I recommend taking Goliath to a vet where they can do a full physical exam and check for pain in the bones or joints. There could be an issue higher up in the limb or even in the neck causing the limp. The vet may need xrays to look at the bones and joints. If anything, they can prescribe Goliath some medications to alleviate his pain and get him comfortable again. I wouldn’t give anything over the counter as there isn’t anything safe for dogs. And until you can get him to the vet I wouldn’t encourage any running or jumping. Good luck and kisses to Goliath!

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Oh no. Poor guy. This type of injury where you have vocalization, limping, and swelling definitely needs to be looked at by your veterinarian. A thorough physical exam of the area and potentially radiographs of the bones are needed here to provide the care that Stormy needs after an injury to this degree. I would highly recommend taking him in to be seen as soon as you can. You are not going to be able to care for an injury like this at home. For tonight, its best to just keep Stormy quiet in an isolated room without any other pets to disturb him and apply a cold compress to the swollen area, if tolerated, for about 3-5 mins. Using a bag of peas will suffice. I do hope that you are able to get Stormy some medical attention soon. Best of luck and take care.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Limping is a sign of pain. It sounds as though it is likely a strain or a sprain. The best thing to do it limit his activity because continued use will not allow a strain or sprain to heal. So no running, jumping, no stairs or jumping on/off the furniture and leash walks only for at least 7 days. If the limp doesn't improve with in those 7 days Shadow should be seen by a Vet or sooner if it worsens. It is not wrong to have Shadow seen sooner than later as well. Do not give any human pain medications, dogs do not metabolize drugs like people do and they may interfere with medications your Vet may want to prescribe. I hope this helps and I wish Shadow a speedy recovery!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you can see an an obvious swelling, I recommend taking Trigger to the vet. Many times with mild limping we don't see any swelling at all. So I worry that Trigger may have torn a muscle or have an abscess or other injury that may cause worse problems if left alone. Until he is seen, I recommend keeping him confined (as possible with a pup). If he is crate trained, then keep him crated and leash walks only until he is evaluated to prevent furhter injury. I hope he's back to normal quickly!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Dexter! Since it has been going on for 3 weeks already I think it is time to have him seen by your Vet. Common causes of hing leg lameness are: hip dysplasia, cruciate (ACL tears), Lyme or other tick borne disease, immune polyarthropathy, HOD, panoseitis, or simply a strain or a sprain. If you haven't strictly rested him (leash walks, no running or jumping) for a week you can try that first. But if he is still having problems he should be seen. I hope this helps and I wish Dexter the very best!