My dog is limping, holds leg up when eating, no swelling. Why?

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.

Unfortunately I would suggest nothing else than complete rest and possibly cold packs applied for 10-15 minutes to decrease inflammation if present. A clinical examination and possibly further investigations would be required to determine more specifically the cause of it. Starve him for eight hours before vet’s check up in case x rays under sedation will be required. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to post more questions if needed either on the forum or by requesting a consultation.

Poor Tab! Dogs can have many different types of injuries just like humans. They can have injuries to the bone as well so soft tissue and a big concern when it’s a hind leg is an injury to the cruciate ligament. In dogs Tab’s size, this often requires surgical repair for best outcomes. For now, he needs strict rest. No running, walks, jumping, playing, or stairs. He basically needs to be in a kennel at all times and on a leash outside even to potty. If the limping is not improved within three days I recommend to find a way to have him examined. There are two financing companies that clients often use, care credit and scratch pay. You can go on their website to find more information. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This can happen from many reasons that go all the way from a muscle sprain to even cancer. I recommend that you have TJ evaluated by your veterinarian for further tests and assessment. Your veterinarian would be able to localize the pain and proceed with radiographs for example to look for any possible changes that could help rule out or in some of these conditions. Treatment would be based on findings but at the very least, your veterinarian could start TJ on medications for pain to make him feel better. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Buddy's condition can be due to many things, and I'm sorry that he is in pain. His pain can be caused by many things, but to determine which are to blame, he needs to be examined by a veterinarian. You're right that trauma could cause this, however it is important to localize where the trauma is. A vet can do this by doing an orthopedic exam, which basically manipulates all the joints and bones to see if there is any disease. His pain can also be due to back issues, which would need X-rays to diagnose, or even arthritis. It is also important to rule out infectious (bacterial) causes of pain or any other underlying disease that Buddy may have. To keep him comfortable before he is seen by a vet, you can try to limit Buddy's activity - minimize his using the stairs, walking/running, and playing. I hope this is helpful!

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!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you can see an an obvious swelling, I recommend taking Trigger to the vet. Many times with mild limping we don't see any swelling at all. So I worry that Trigger may have torn a muscle or have an abscess or other injury that may cause worse problems if left alone. Until he is seen, I recommend keeping him confined (as possible with a pup). If he is crate trained, then keep him crated and leash walks only until he is evaluated to prevent furhter injury. I hope he's back to normal quickly!