Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My Frenchie limps but shows no pain. Is it a hip or knee issue?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Female | unspayed | 21 lbs

My Frenchie is limping on one of her back legs. I think there is a slight scratch/scab, but she shows no signs of discomfort whenever we run or if I tough her paw. Could it be something with her hip or knee joint?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on April 13th, 2018

It is certainly possible that Florence has an injury to her knee or hip. It is very common for dogs to limp at a walk (or hold the leg up when standing), but put it down while running. It does not mean that the leg is not painful. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Florence to see if they can determine the source of the problem. Certainly they may recommend x-rays as well. If there is a soft tissue injury, they will be able to prescribe appropriate pain medication and treatment. And if there is something more serious, you certainly want to deal with it before it becomes worse. In the meantime, I would recommend keeping her as quiet as possible and not allowing her to run since that might injure the leg more.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 2nd, 2019

    Hi! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. This appears to have been due to the trauma she suffered recently. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on November 29th, 2018

    Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Atlow’s care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on January 25th, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Part of it is that it is harder to appreciate a lameness when a pet is running so that may be part of it. Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian so that this can be further assessed which will likely include radiographs. Treatment will be dependent on findings though at the very least pain control medications can be prescribed. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My French bulldog puppy limps and drags a leg. Is it hip dysplasia?
Hip dysplasia can only be positively diagnosed with x-rays. There are certain indicators that can be noted on a physical exam, but they can only be considered supportive of the actual radiographic diagnosis. I would have his leg looked at and examined for fractures, evidence of soft tissue injuries, or as you have mentioned, evidence of hip imperfections. Based on the nature of the injury, the solution to the problem maybe something as simple as rest or medical therapy, or as complex as surgical procedures. Hope this helps.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why is my 7-month-old French bulldog limping after elbow surgery?
Koby is a cutie! Ideally he just sprained his forelimb/only has a soft tissue injury and will respond well to a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (recent blood work showing normal liver values is usually recommended before prescribing NSAIDs such as carprofen/Rimadyl) for a few days along with activity restriction for a week. This conservative therapy may be chosen as long as the limb does not appear swollen, acutely painful, etc. on physical exam/palpation. Re-x raying that limb would be ideal to determine if there has been migration of the pins/a new fracture etc. but could potentially wait if he is putting weight on the limb/it does not appear swollen/ and he responds well to the pain medication. As he has pins in his limb, he will be more prone to arthritis as the years go by and would likely benefit from being on a joint supplement such as VetriScience Mobility Flex or Vetriflex for life. Best of luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My large dog limps on his back legs after walks. Is it his hips?
I would recommend Kobe have a thorough orthopedic and neurological exam by your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may need to do x-rays of both his hips and knees to check for certain diseases like arthritis and kneecap issues. Depending on what is going on Kobe may need medication such as joint supplements or even surgery.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why does my dog's back leg hurt after running but then get better?
Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Intermittent, painful lameness in dogs of her breed is often related to slipping patella, hip problems (for the hind leg) and sometimes elbow dysplasia (for the front leg lameness). A visit at your local vets is recommended. Full clinical examination should allow making the diagnosis and starting treatment, if required.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my dog limping, and his front paw floppy and painful?
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Without examining Brutus it is difficult to say but he may have developed soft tissue trauma from an injury or injured his bone / carpal joint. If the limping persists for the next 3 days, I would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at him and take x-rays of the leg to help rule out some causes of the lameness. For the next 3 days I would recommend exercise restriction and keeping him on a leash whenever he is outdoors and discouraging him from jumping up or down on any furniture to allow this injury to heal. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is limping and holding her leg up. Should I take her to vet?
She may have torn her cruciate ligament, have a problem with her knee cap, have a fracture, etc. Since she seems to be in pain, you should take her to your vet today for an orthopedic examination. Your vet can take an x-ray, if needed, to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. An anti-inflammatory and pain medications can be prescribed to help relieve any pain. Hope she feels better soon!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is limping and not putting weight on her leg, but shows no pain. What should I do?
I am very sorry to hear that Amica is limping, I am sure it is worrying for you both. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a dog may limp, ranging from injury, infection, osteoarthritis, disorders of the growing bones or joints, and even some cancers. Dogs can also be very good at hiding the exact location of the problem. In order to determine the precise cause of Amica's limping it would be best to take her in for an examination by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will also be able to make Amica comfortable by providing pain relief medication. The vet may also perform an orthopaedic exam and an X-ray. If Amica seems very uncomfortable or depressed, you suspect a broken bone, the limb is dangling at an unnatural angle, a limb is being dragged, severe swelling is occurring, the limb is hot, bone is piercing the skin, or nonstop bleeding is occurring, Amica needs to see a veterinarian immediately. If none of the above are occurring, and due to the high frequency of trauma cases which heal on their own, in limping dogs, as well as Amica's young age, you can try conservative management at home for 24 hours to see if Amica improves. Try the following at home; Keep Amica as comfortable as possible Strict rest with as little movement as can be managed When moving handle with care Do not give Amica any medications without a veterinarian’s approval Apply a cold compress for first 24 hours Switch to a warm compress after 24 hours If pain or limping continues after 24 hours then take Amica to see a veterinarian. I hope this was a helpful answer and more importantly that Amica feels better soon. Warmest regards and best of luck to you both.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog SuppliesDog Health & WellnessDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsDog Hip & Joint SupplementsDog Pain Medicine & ReliefDog Braces & SplintsDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog Lift Harnesses & WheelchairsDog Blood Pressure MedicationDog Incontinence & Bladder Control MedicineDog Bandages & Wound CareDog First Aid & RecoveryPain Meds & Arthritis Relief for CatsCat Hip & Joint SupplementsDog Vitamins & SupplementsPrescription Dog AntibioticsPet PharmacyPrescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes MedicationAntifungal Medication for DogsDog Anxiety Medication
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button