My Mini Aussie is limping, lethargic, and pigeon-toed. What's wrong?

Ouch, poor Shorty! He could have a foreign body in his paw such as a grass seed or a foxtail, may have strained a ligament, or could have broken a bone. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

Poor Sam! I would be concerned in that he is clearly showing you he is in pain if he's limping and doesn't like his paw touching the ground. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

It could be that Lester has injured his paw, or he has a foreign body in it such as a foxtail or grass seed causing him to hold it up when sitting or resting. I recommend resting Lester for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time (holding up his paw is a sign of pain), then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

Poor Ozzie! There are many reasons Ozzie could be limping and it could be anything from a sprained toe to arthritis to a hair line fracture. If Ozzie is not wanting to use the leg at all, I recommend to have him examined tomorrow. When pets will not use the leg at all, that is much more concerning for a more severe injury or for more severe pain. If Ozzie will use the leg, he should definitely see the vet if he is still limping on Monday. I recommend STRICT rest until he is given the clear by the veterinarian. That means no walks, running, jumping or stairs. He should also be crated anytime you are not watching him. Not resting your pet can allow this to get worse. I hope this helps. You can apply a cool (not cold) compress the the area you suspect is painful every 2 hours for 10 minutes. A gentle massage a few times a day can also help. I hope this helps and that Ozzie starts feeling better quickly. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Leo! He could have injured his paw on the walk causing the limping. I recommend resting Leo for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

Poor Timo. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given.

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.