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My dog is donkey kicking his back leg after hiking. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shiba Inu | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 5 months old

Hi, I took my dog hiking this morning. He suddenly started donkey kicking his back leg. He is laying down now and still kicking periodically. Vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on March 20th, 2016

His abnormal gait, or lameness, may have several causes. There might be something in the paw bothering him, either an infection or a foreign body. If he will allow, examine the pads and in between the toes for redness or swelling. If you find a grass seed or splinter, this could be the reason for the behavior. Remove it, if possible, and monitor for resolution. If there is something stuck in the pad or if symptoms persist, a visit to your veterinarian would be recommended. Mushu might need to have any infection, injury or other prthopedic condition (such as a luxating patella) addressed by the doctor. Antibiotics, maybe steroids, may be indicated to treat any infection and calm down the inflammation.

13Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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