My dog fell, limping, panting, shivering. What does a leg pop mean?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kringle, I am sorry he is feeling poorly. You did not mention if it is a front or back leg, but I will assume it is a back leg based on the description you gave. One concern would be that Kringle injured his knee, more specifically his cranial cruciate ligament (similar to an ACL injury in people). This can cause a hindlimb lameness that can be mild or severe (non-weight bearing). Another potential cause could be a luxating patella (knee cap), which can be common in small dogs and typically does not cause a problem unless severe. If Kringle continues to limp it would be best to have him evaluated by his veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. Based on physical exam findings, medical management (pain medications) or surgical options may be presented. A radiograph (x-ray) would be recommended to assess the limb, and routine bloodwork (complete blood count, serum chemistry) would be recommended prior to initiation of medications. I hope Kringle feels better soon!

He may have dislocated his hip or fractured one of the bones in his leg. Please take him to the nearest veterinary ER or to your veterinarian right away. An exam and x-rays may diagnose the underlying cause for the [lameness](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/lameness-1/). If it is a [fracture](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/fractures-in-cats-and/) it may need to be splinted or surgically repaired depending on the severity and location. If it is a dislocation it will need to be reduced. If this is done earlier, it is more likely that surgery will not be required.

Did the veterinarian give you any medication to help with pain? If not I would highly encourage you to call tomorrow and request something for pain management. Also, is he limping or holding that leg up? If not then I would be suspicious that something else may be bothering him. Often I find neck or back pain present on dogs who “cry out” for no known reason. Of course many other possibilities exist as well. An x-ray and / or blood work may be helpful in narrowing down the diagnosis. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Restrict activity for the next 24 hours. Monitor for lethargy, swelling, bruising or increasing lameness. If the lameness persists beyond 24 hours, have her physically examined by your veterinarian. X-rays may be indicated after the exam.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dog. If he continues to not bear any weight on that leg, then he will need to see his veterinarian. He will likely need x-rays to ensure that he did not fracture his leg. In the meantime, keep him very quiet to allow his body to rest. Carry him if he needs to move. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

You would see limping, pain, hesitation to jump or walk, swelling in the area, and the dog may lick the area. If you are concerned that Shady has dislocated a bone, you need to take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. It is possible that he has a fractured bone that is causing him discomfort and lameness. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine him so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I would recommend having x-rays taken of this leg to rule out any bone fractures as the cause. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.