Why is my dog's leg swollen with skin issues and she can't walk?

I am so sorry to hear about Sadie! Without seeing it in person it is difficult to say what the problem is. With her history and a newly occurring, large lump, I would be concerned for some type of trauma. I think you are right to be concerned about bleeding under the skin. This does not always have to be severe, but it sounds like she is in pain and I think it would be safest to have her examined. At the very least they will alleviate her discomfort and your fears! I hope this helps and she is back to normal soon!

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This looks like furunculosis which is a deep bacterial infection of the skin. It will not resolve without a long course of oral antibiotics. Now, that being said, this could be a primary issue or a secondary issue - I cannot tell you without examining her myself and doing some testing. You really need to take her to your vet for an exam as soon as you can. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi. It appears to be infection, possible allergies, or some kind of mite or something. Without and exam and further testing it would be difficult to say. I don't know what tests have been done already, but i recommed a biopsy if medications haven't worked. Maybe a dermatologist would be best as the next step if biopsy isnt definitive.

I can see the swelling from the pictures you posted. It appears the swelling goes form the foot all the way to the knee. I see that you live in an area where snake bite is possible. I would check thoroughly for any punctures along the entire leg and see if Diamond is painful in any particular area. If not, other causes of swelling like this could include infection, allergic reaction, trauma, cancer, among others. Sometimes swelling in an entire limb can be caused by decreased lymphatic flow - this can be caused by damage to lymph nodes or a structure under the skin or inside the body that is impinging on the lymph flow. I have also seen swelling like this with a flare-up of a mast cell tumor elsewhere on the body. I agree with your vet; if the medications prescribed to not make a difference, additional diagnostics are warranted. They may include bloodwork, abdominal x-rays, tick testing, or sampling of any small masses found.

I am sorry stumpy has this swelling. I think that Stumpy needs to have x-rays and possible aspirate of this areas. My concern would be where stumpy was born with out the ability to have proper lymphatic circulation in the hind legs. I have no seen a dog grow out of something like this before but it is hard to tell by the picture. I would suggest more testing to help determine what is going on and if it is fixable. I hope that helps

Poor Tab! Dogs can have many different types of injuries just like humans. They can have injuries to the bone as well so soft tissue and a big concern when it’s a hind leg is an injury to the cruciate ligament. In dogs Tab’s size, this often requires surgical repair for best outcomes. For now, he needs strict rest. No running, walks, jumping, playing, or stairs. He basically needs to be in a kennel at all times and on a leash outside even to potty. If the limping is not improved within three days I recommend to find a way to have him examined. There are two financing companies that clients often use, care credit and scratch pay. You can go on their website to find more information. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria or fungal). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics or antifungal meds (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.