My dog's sprained ankle is still swollen. When should I worry?

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Zeus'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 him 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!

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Pierre’s care today! I do not think you should wrap it without knowing what is going on. This is not likely to help and may actually cause harm. Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. I recommend that you have him 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!

Hi! Thanks for entrusting us with Remi's care today! Lameness can be a sign of a few things that range from a muscle sprain to even a fracture. This could be due to this foreign body you described if it caused an injury. I recommend that you have him 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!

It could be a sprain, but given that he is a young puppy, I would recommend having him checked out by a vet. You want to make sure it is just a sprain, instead of something more serious like a fracture of torn ligament which could affect his growth. I would rest him for now, no running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when done. Take him into the vet on Monday for an exam to be safe.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would highly recommend that you have Rocko evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment. I am suspicious that this may be due to more severe underlying trauma like a deep infection or possibly a fracture of the bone in that region. Upon further examination, they may recommend radiographs of the affected area. Treatment would depend on findings. I hope they can help him. Have a good day!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the pictures I don’t see anything abnormal. But if it has been 3 days and he is still limping then he is painful somewhere. In a younger dog it could be from growing but they could still have small fractures without swelling. I recommend taking Goliath to a vet where they can do a full physical exam and check for pain in the bones or joints. There could be an issue higher up in the limb or even in the neck causing the limp. The vet may need xrays to look at the bones and joints. If anything, they can prescribe Goliath some medications to alleviate his pain and get him comfortable again. I wouldn’t give anything over the counter as there isn’t anything safe for dogs. And until you can get him to the vet I wouldn’t encourage any running or jumping. Good luck and kisses to Goliath!

Because this appears to be a recurring problem in Booker, meaning that this swelling and stiffness occurs after playing or walking, I would recommend have a physical exam, lameness exam, and x-rays done. It could be that he has a strained or torn ligament that is repeatedly aggravated, and he may need anti-inflammatories and pain medications along with rest to help it heal, which the vet can prescribe. I would have Booker seen by a vet today or tomorrow to have his leg examined, and rest him until he is able to see the vet. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a lead only, and bring him right back in when he's done.