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Why does my dog limp intermittently, stopping when I touch his knee?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Long Coat) | Male | unneutered | 5 lbs

My dog lipping sometimes but after i push where his knee is he stop

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on February 24th, 2020

It is possible that Babe has a luxating patella. The patella can pop out of place and you may see limping. Then they walk normally after it pops back in the proper place. Here is an article that discusses luxating patella in dogs:
https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/luxating-patella/

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on June 3rd, 2017
Oh no, poor Rusty! First off, do not give him any more baby aspirin. It's not safe to give to dogs as it can cause GI ulcers and bleeding. There could be a couple of things wrong with him at the moment. He is quite an old dog, and he could be suffering from arthritis. The pain from it could be severe enough that he can't walk properly on his right hind leg. He's also a toy breed dog, and they commonly suffer from a condition called a luxating patella. This is when the kneecap (patella) moves out of it's correct anatomical place, and if it becomes stuck outside it, then he couldn't use his leg properly. Finally, he could have torn or severely strained a ligament during his walk. Given that he can't walk properly and keeps falling over, plus the fact it's been a problem that keeps occurring, it's best that he sees a vet today. The vet can diagnose what is causing his problem with his leg and discuss treatment options with you. The vet can also give him some safe pain medications. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog is suddenly limping on a back leg. Is it a luxating patella?

It may be. She may have a soft tissue injury or some slight swelling at the knee which is causing the patella to luxate even though it has not been a problem in the past. Your veterinarian can most likely determine if that is the case by a physical exam. If her patella is loose and moving around, it is usually pretty easy to detect.

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Why does my chihuahua limp sometimes but run fine on all four legs?

It is very likely she has a condition called patellar luxation. This is where the ligament in the knee goes in an out of the socket. She can have this surgically repaired if it becomes a chronic issue and impedes on her quality of life. Otherwise joint supplements (i.e. Dasuquin) may be able to help reduce some inflammation and pain in the joint itself. Have your vet do a simple physical exam and check the knees. Patellar luxation is detectable by a physical exam and doesn't require radiographs to diagnose. I wish you well at the vet. Best wishes with Mindy and take care.

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Why is my dog hopping and skipping while walking? Is his knee dislocated?

Yes, this is a common sign seen with luxating patellas (dislocating knee cap). Small breeds like Bailey tend to be affected by it and it can have various ranges of severity. If Bailey is skipping, then it is likely a high-grade luxating patella and may need surgery to correct it. In order to get his condition diagnosed and treated, you'll need to start by scheduling an exam with your veterinarian. For more information about this condition, I recommend you read the article at the link below. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-or-kneecap-in-dogs I hope that helps and Bailey gets better soon.

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Why does my dog's back leg hurt after running but then get better?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Intermittent, painful lameness in dogs of her breed is often related to slipping patella, hip problems (for the hind leg) and sometimes elbow dysplasia (for the front leg lameness). A visit at your local vets is recommended. Full clinical examination should allow making the diagnosis and starting treatment, if required.

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Why does my Lab limp on his hind leg, and massage makes it better?

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Why does my dog limp after resting and excessively lick furniture?

I would talk to your veterinarian about a possible knee cap luxation. This can happen in dogs and they will limp for a few minutes/seconds and then be fine. Nothing is typically done with them unless they are causing an issue. It is something that I would have an examination done on her although it isn't an emergency and you can wait until your regular veterinarian opens tomorrow morning. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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