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My dog can't walk on his back leg. Is it a pulled muscle? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Miniature Schnauzer | Male | neutered | 10 years and 9 months old | 25 lbs

My dog was running around as we got home earlier. We heard him cry and now he is unable to walk and/ or use is back right leg. Could he have possibly pulled a muscle and what do we do until tomorrow until he goes to his Vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 20th, 2018

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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