My dog is limping on his back leg and is in pain, what's wrong?

Limping is a sign of pain and if there legs are uneven then one may be swollen if there was trauma or an injury or one may be small from atrophy from not getting used as much. At that age it may be a soft tissue injury from playing and jumping or it may be a genetic or growth problem such as panostitis or hip dysplasia. The best thing to do for today is rest him and do not let him run and play to make it worse. He does need a check by your vet to evaluate for these problems to see what medicines you can get to help him

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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chico. If he is limping, this means that his leg is painful to him. Being a young dog, muscular injury from rough play is likely. He also could have a congenital problem where his kneecaps are loose and slip in and out of place. This can cause lameness as well. If he is eating and drinking and acting normal otherwise, you can give him strict rest for 24 hours. This means no running, jumping, stairs or playing. Carry him as much as possible. If the lameness does not resolve, then he will need to see his veterinarian. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Hello, and thank you for your question. Causes of limping include a soft tissue injury (i.e. strain/sprain), a fracture, or a dislocation. I would recommend restricting his exercise for the next few days - no running, jumping, or rough play. If it is a sprain, it should gradually improve with time. If it does not, I would recommend taking Mugz to the vet. They can evaluate for any pain or swelling, and can recommend x-rays if necessary. I hope this helps, and that Mugz is feeling better soon!

Since Dante 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). If Dante does not improve, 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.

I suggest you check the paws and inbetween the toes for reddening, a thorn or injury. IF you cannot find anything and Donatello still limps today I suggest you make an appointment with your veterinarian as sudden lameness such as this often is caused by a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, which may require surgery. Of course there could be just a strain or sprain also. Your vet will do a special exam to check whether there is a cruciate rupture, and may want to take x-rays.

Since Sami 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). If Sami does not improve or if he gets worse, have him examined by the veterinarian. Pets who exhibit toe touching lameness on the hing legs are a concern for a tear of the cranial cruciate ligament which is serious. He may need radiographs and the doctor will determine this based on the exam. I hope he starts feeling better quickly.