My dog has a sudden limp and swollen elbow. Is it serious?

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!

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!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Charlie. Limping means he is in pain. That paw pad does look a bit swollen. 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. I hope this helps!

Thank you for your question. A swelling like this could be a couple of things. If Blue does not appear painful and is not limping, this may just be a hygroma, which is just a fluid filled swelling from laying on the hard ground. If this is the case, I would simply recommend soft bedding, and try to keep him from laying directly on the hard floor, and it should improve over 2-3 weeks. If it is painful to the touch, hot, or if Blue is limping, this could be an infection and he should be seen by your veterinarian as soon as you can get him in. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Given that Silus is both limping and has elbow swelling, I would be concerned that he he may have really hurt himself. I would rest him tonight, and then take him into the vet first thing in the morning. Normally, I'd suggest resting for a couple of days, but with Christmas coming up in a few days, it's best to have him seen during normal business hours instead of as an emergency over the holiday. The vet can diagnose what is causing the limping and swelling, and prescribe him pain medications. Please do not give him any human pain medications, many are toxic to cats and are fatal if given.

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.

You should take him to the vet in order to get it checked, it could be an insect bite but it could also be something more serious such as a trauma to the elbow or even a tumor, this must be checked by your vet ASAP.