My dog is limping with a fever. Is it normal after a soft tissue injury?

These symptoms are very suspicious of a tick born disease such as tick fever, babesiosis or lyme disease. you should take him back to your vet and request a blood test to identify those potential blood parasites, treatment is with some very specific medications and antibiotics.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes dogs feel warm and do not have a fever so I would not necessarily think that she has a fever because her tongue is warm. If you wanted to be sure, you can check her temperature rectally and if in between 99.5 and 102.5 then she would be ok. I do recommend though that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for the foot issue. This can sometimes occur from trauma to the leg and it would be worth knowing if there is any evidence of a fracture or something of that nature. Your veterinarian could perform radiographs if deemed necessary on examination. Good luck and have a great day!

Hi and thanks for your post. Fever along with limping or non weight baring on a limb is concerning. She may have a joint infection or a systemic illness such as lyme disease or another tick borne illness. Katana should see a vet for this issue has an x-ray will need to be taken of her joint, blood work done, and antibiotics administered. If going to a vet is not an option due to finances, there is not a lot that can be done as far as home remedies for this especially if the cause is not yet known. Putting an ice pack covered in a towel over the leg or joint for 20 mins 3 times daily can help decrease the swelling initially. Seeing your vet would be the best option for Katana. I hope this has helped and I do hope she can be seen soon. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello. I am so sorry Ginger is not feeling well. There are just so many things that could be causing her to feel unwell. Can you take her temperature rectally? Anything over 102.8 F would be an indication that she has an infection & probably needs to be on an antibiotic. Limping may indicate joint inflammation as we will see illness plus lameness with certain tick diseases such as Lyme's. If Ginger is not improving in the next day or so, she really needs to be assessed by your veterinarian. Only then can the proper treatment be started to get Ginger back to health. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If he was behaving normally otherwise, then watching him at home would have been recommended, but since he is lethargic as well, he really should be seen. It could be anything from a strain or pull to orthopedics injury to infection. A physical exam, xrays and a screening for tick borne diseases would be recommended. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. In the meantime, restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination and avoid excessive running, jumping or rough play until he sees the doctor.

A fever in dogs is a body temp above 103.5 F. Normal body temperature ranges from 99 F to 102.5 F. If she will allow, use a rectal thermometer to check Diamond's temperature. If she does have a fever, she will need to be examined by your veterinarian. Fevers have multiple causes, so your vet may recommend certain diagnostics. Discuss payment plans or alternative financing options, such as CareCredit ( www.carecredit.com ), with your veterinarian. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can safely give at home to help if she does have a fever. Many OTC medications have a slim margin of safety or are downright toxic to dogs.

Hi. Thank you for writing in with a question. This off and on limping could be caused by several things ranging from a soft tissue injury to infection or repeated injuries. I don't know if you were in valley fever heavy areas, but if you are that is a possibility for an off-and-on lameness as well. I would recommend continuing rest and anti-inflammatories prescribed by your veterinarian until you can see the orthopedic specialist. The orthopedic specialist is the best Next Step. Good luck and I hope he feels better soon