My dog is limping badly after chasing a raccoon. What should I do?

Your dog needs to be seen by a veterinarian today for wound control, possibly an x-ray to determine whether there is a joint problem. If wounds are found (small puncture wounds, for example, your dog will need antibiotics. I hope your dog is up to date on his rabies vaccination.

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.

It could be that Cooper has strained a muscle or ligament. Given that he’s been limping for a bit now, it’s time to see a vet. I’d take him into one Friday. Until then, rest him. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to potty on a leash, and bring him right back in when he’s done. Best of luck.

It sounds like Trixie is in pain. Her fall may have caused her to fracture a bone, damage a joint or ligament, or caused some muscle damage. While joint/muscle damage may resolve on its own, a fracture may require stabilization. Without it, the bone may heal in a deformed way and even alter the growth of the leg in the future. A vet will be able to perform x-rays to see if there is a fracture and offer you treatment options - likely a splint, cast, or surgery to chose from. X-rays are usually not very expensive and will give an answer regarding the cause of the limping. They will also be able to prescribe the appropriate pain medication that is safe for dog. In the meantime, I recommend keeping Trixie as quiet and calm as possible to prevent further trauma.

That wound may be painful but it may not be the cause of the limping. It does not appear 'fresh' as I would expect it to if it just happened. Since Roscoe can't talk, only a physical exam will be able to determine the source of the lameness. Just like people, the pain/limping can be related to many causes including a ligament tears, soft tissue injury, a developmental abnormality or even a spinal issue. You may try strict rest for a few days (no walks, running, jumping or stairs). You should gently wash that area on the foot and rinse it well. Make sure to protect the area from licking by having him wear an elizabethan collar. Keep him on soft surfaces. If Roscoe does not improve after a few days or if he gets worse, have him examined by the veterinarian. He may need radiographs and the doctor will determine this based on the exam. I hope he starts feeling better quickly.

Poor Hunter! It sounds like he hurt himself jumping, and giving his young age, yes I would take him into the vet. This is because it's possible he could have broken a bone, and in young puppies, having an untreated broken bone could affect his growth. I think it's worth the vet visit. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bruno! Possible causes of Bruno's limp are: strain or a sprain from being stepped on, if he is older it could have aggravated arthritis, a toe or a bone could be broken, or it could be something unrelated like Lyme disease. Since Bruno can hardly walk on the leg that indicates pain. I recommend having Bruno seen by your Vet for an exam. If there is concern for the paw then they may want to take X-rays, otherwise they may just prescribe anti-inflammatories and rest. I hope this helps and I wish Bruno a speedy recovery!