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My dog's leg is swollen and curled after surgery. Is it nerve damage?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 10 years and 3 months old | 60 lbs

My 10yo boxer/red heeler mix just had a debulking surgery done on a hip mass and is now unable to use the front leg that was used for the IV. It appears to be slightly swollen and stays curled. When she tries to walk she's unable to put any weight on it as seems unable to straighten out. I'm a bit worried that there may have been nerve damage due to the IV.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

C. Rathjens, DVM

Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 4th, 2019

I would recommend taking her back to the vet right away to be checked out. She could have laid on the leg in the funny way during surgery and have some temporary nerve damage or could have pain from an infection related to the IV that is making her not want to walk on it. In any case, that's not normal and her vet can help figure out what needs to occur next.
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