My dog is limping and lethargic. Is it time for a vet visit?

It sounds like he needs to be examined by a vet to determine the cause. He could have an infection (Lyme disease, etc.), immune mediated polyarthritis, panosteitis , etc. Your vet can run lab-work and take an x-ray to help diagnose. You could try to find a mobile vet to come to your house or call your vet and see if he/she could prescribe a sedative to make the visit easier. You definitely want to make the experience positive to try and change his aggressive behavior. He will need medical care throughout his life and it makes it very difficult for both the dog and vet. Hope he feels better soon and the visit goes smoothly!

Limping can mean a lot of different things, including a muscle sprain or a ligament injury. It also depends on which leg is affected and exactly where the injury is on the limb. It is best to get your pet evaluated by a vet who can do a lameness exam to localize where the problem is on the leg. They will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment, whether it is just anti-inflammatory medication or potential surgery if the injury is involving the ligament. Many dogs will appear to act completely normal with a knee ligament injury.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Dexter! Since it has been going on for 3 weeks already I think it is time to have him seen by your Vet. Common causes of hing leg lameness are: hip dysplasia, cruciate (ACL tears), Lyme or other tick borne disease, immune polyarthropathy, HOD, panoseitis, or simply a strain or a sprain. If you haven't strictly rested him (leash walks, no running or jumping) for a week you can try that first. But if he is still having problems he should be seen. I hope this helps and I wish Dexter the very best!

Since your pup 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 knee cap out of place or even a hairline fracture. Since she is not bearing any weight on the leg, I recommend to have her examined today. She may need radiographs and the doctor will determine this based on the exam. She needs STRICT rest until she is examined. I hope she starts feeling better quickly.

I would definitely take him to see your vet. He may have a hidden injury, the shifting lameness could indicate a condition affecting his bones called panosteitis, which is seen in growing puppies, usually large breeds. Since he's feeling poorly overall, I think the sooner he sees the vet, the better. Your vet will do an exam, probably labwork and x-rays, and based on these results, will be better able to inform you about your dog's condition and how best to treat it.

Lameness, loss of appetite and energy are definitely concerning. This can be caused by tick borne diseases such as Lyme disease. There are also certain bone and joint diseases that only affect growing puppies, and need to be ruled out with an x-Ray. I recommend having your appointment sooner rather than later, you may want to call your vet and ask for an earlier appointment.

The walk may have been too much for Benji. 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.