My pug holds his back leg up but shows no pain. What's wrong?

Without an xray or physical exam, it is impossible to determine if Puku has a serious injury or condition. Continue to treat him as directed by your veterinarian. Restrict excessive running, jumping or rough play. Swimming is an excellent way to provide exercise and strengthen muscles though. Ideally, Puku should have his hips evaluated for hip dysplasia. An orthopedic exam may also diagnose joint laxity and ligament damage as well as patellar (knee cap) conditions. All may cause an uncomfortable gait.

Based on your description, I would be concerned that your pug has a luxating patella. This would cause him to not use the leg properly because the knee cap is sliding out of it's correct anatomical position. This is a common condition in small breed dogs. I would have your dog seen by a vet first thing tomorrow. The vet can do a lameness exam and possibly x-rays to diagnose what is causing his lameness, and can discuss treatment with you. With a patella luxation, surgery may be required to fix it.

This could be a case of a luxating patella, where the knee cap moved out of its normal location. However that condition generally speaking isn't painful. Pugs can also have herniated disc in their spines causing pain as well as abdominal pain. Even though it may be tempting do not give any human OTC pain medication as it can be very toxic to dogs. If Studd is not better in the next 8-12 hours he should see his veterinarian for an exam.

Try restricting Bruno's activity for 24 hours. Leash walk him for elimination and avoid any running, jumping or rough play. If the lameness persists, have him seen by your veterinarian for a complete physical and orthopedic exam. Bruno may have injured his hip or knee. Xrays will likely be indicated to diagnose or confirm joint disease or ligament damage.

Injuries to the spine or muscles/nerves in the back can sometimes cause symptoms similar to what you are seeing, and pain meds and anti-inflammatory medications are often the first-line treatment for this to help reduce any swelling and let the area heal. Keeping Voodoo calm, quiet, and on leashed-only potty walks may also help with the healing process. If her symptoms are worsening, don't improve with the medication, or she seems in bad pain or distress, taking her back to the vet for additional exam and treatment may be needed.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Knees 'popping out' in a Pug is usually due to a luxating patella. This is a condition that can be surgically corrected, and given Rascal's age of 2, this is recommended so that he doesn't develop painful arthritis for the rest of his life. The other possible condition is a 'torn cruciate', and this also can be corrected with surgery. Carprofen is a medication of the class 'NSAIDs'. This are hard on the liver, kidney and gut. It is good for breakthrough pain, however long-term this isn't something you want to continue on. Please discuss with your vet about surgical correction options for Rascal, as well as other options for pain medications longer term (Gabapentin for example). NSAIDs do work best, they just come with high risks of side effects. Best of luck with Rascal, I hope he feels better soon!

Dogs limp because it is painful to bear weight on the leg. Pekingese tend to have problems with their knee caps which can cause lameness off and on. I dont think he is doing it for attention, I think he hurts some days and not others. I would encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.