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My dog is limping on her front leg. Is it a pulled muscle or worse?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 5 days old | 25 lbs

I woke up on 11/6 to Kaja limping and not putting much weight on her front right leg. I was with her all weekend and did not witness her do anything that she would have injured herself. I palpated her entire leg from shoulder to paw, inspected her paw to make sure there were no cuts or anything stuck in it. She didn't whine or pull away from me touching any part of her leg. It is now 11/8 night time and she is still limping. I would like to avoid the vet if it is just a pulled muscle.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on November 8th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Kaja!

Limping is a sign of pain. Even if you can not locate the exact spot she likely hurts some where. Causes of a front leg lameness are: strain or sprain of the muscle, lyme disease, elbow dysplasia. OCD (cartilage abnormality in the shoulder most commonly), panosteitis, hypertrophic osterodystrophy, neck pain, a foreign body penetration in the pain, torn nail, or even a skin infection of the foot.

I recommend since Kaja hasn't improved in 2 days that you see the Vet. Even if it is just a pulled muscle Kaja can be started on pain medication to help her feel better. I recommend strict rest, that means no running, jumping, stairs, playing with other dogs and leash walks only.

I hope this helps and I wish Kaja a speedy recovery!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 1st, 2020
Poor girl. A proper examination would be needed in a situation like this to determine what the underlying cause of her injury is exactly; however some possible causes would a dislocation or slight dislocation (often accompanied by swelling and severe pain in the area), a small fracture of the bone, an infection of the joint, a muscle sprain (generally improves gradually with time and rest), or any number of degnerative joint diseases that involve the shoulder and elbow. Your vet may opt to do an x-ray of the joint if Asia's limp is significant or may offer a conservative treatment first with pain medication and safe pet friendly anti-inflammatory medication.
I would recommend resting Asia for now and leash walk her when she goes outside so that she doesn't take off running and potentially inadvertently injure the area more or worst off the other limb. If things seem to worsen before her appt in a few days, then its best to try to get her seen sooner by your vet if they have a cancellation, or look into taking her to another vet that is available in your area and is a place you feel comfortable taking Asia.
I hope that Asia's injury improves soon! Best of luck moving forward and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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