My dog isn't using his back leg after playing. Is it a pulled muscle?

I would recommend bringing Thor to a veterinarian tomorrow when they open. I am concerned that Thor may have torn the cranial cruciate ligament or had some other soft tissue injury. At the veterinarian they can do a physical examination and X-rays to see if this is possibly what has happened. They can also dispense medication to help relieve some inflammation and pain. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

A typical scenario is that the dog runs around happily and then yelps and does not put weight on one of the hind legs. This is very typical for a cruciate ligament rupture or partial rupture. He could also have a sprain or pulled a muscle. Your vet should be able to diagnose this easily and then discuss the options of cruciate ligament repair with you if indicated. Her is some information on CCL rupture: https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/cranial-cruciate-ligament-disease Keep him quiet until tomorrow, he needs to rest. Leash walk him only for elimination or carry him out. Tomorrow, when you go to the vet, carry him to the car and also carry him from the car to the vet. That should help.

There is a possibility that your dog tore a cruciate ligament in his knee. I would make him rest, ie only leash walk him to do his business outside, and otherwise not let him run or jump around. If the lameness is not gone tomorrow or significantly better, then I suggest you make an appointment with your vet for an exam. Your dog will need anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain.

Poor pup! She could could have torn her cranial cruciate ligament in her knee or done damage to the meniscus in her knee. It's concerning that she has been limping on three legs for four days now, and it's time to see a vet. Rest her tonight, no running, jumping, or playing. Take her out to toilet on a lead only, and bring her right back in when she's one. Have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning for a lameness exam and x-rays.

If it just started you can let him rest for a few days with minimal walking and minimal physical exercise, if it does not improve within 3-4 days you will have to take him to the vet in order to get it checked and treated, he might need pain killers for a few days. if the vet think it's something more serious such as a fracture, joint injury or foreign body, he might recommend to have an xray done as well.

Its possible that the leg may still be bothering Michael a little or it may be unrelated. I would recommend strict rest for the next 3 days (no walks, running or jumping), if he is still lame go ahead an take him to the vet. If he is getting worse at any point, go ahead and take him to the vet. You may opt to go ahead and have him seen to get pain medications as well since this is the fastest way to relive any pain. At home, gentle massage and a warm (not hot) compress may help as well. I hope he feels better quickly! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor Gunner! I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps.