My dog yelps loudly when using his front leg. Is a vet visit needed?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  I believe it does warrant a vet visit, keep Devon rested as much as you can during the weekend, no long walks, no running or jumping, if by Monday the condition is still the same or worse - take him to the vet to get it checked and treated, he might need anti inflammatories.

  

  0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  I believe it does warrant a vet visit, keep Devon rested as much as you can during the weekend, no long walks, no running or jumping, if by Monday the condition is still the same or worse - take him to the vet to get it checked and treated, he might need anti inflammatories.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  It sounds like this problem is related to instability or damage to ligaments somewhere near the region that you localized pain. A fracture would cause them not to not use that leg completely, so I'm less suspicious of that.
  
  Elbow problems, such as elbow dysplasia, are sometimes seen in dogs; but it tends to affect larger breeds and younger dogs.
  
  With small breed dogs, we tend to see fractures and other complications lower down in the leg near the wrist area.
  
  The fact that he is older is concerning for complications associated with arthritis and other age-related problems.
  
  If Devon seems to otherwise be fine and is not heavily limping on the leg, then it would be OK to wait a few days to see if it resolves. During this time it's important to limit his activity and especially restrict jumping up and down off of things like the couch or stairs.
  
  However, it would never hurt to take him to the vet to get it assessed. They might see something that you would not have noticed. They can also take x-rays if there is anything of concern.
  
  I would definitely take Devon to the vet if you notice swelling of the leg, or if he starts to limp more.
  
  I hope that helps and Devon gets better soon.

  

  0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

  Veterinarian

  It sounds like this problem is related to instability or damage to ligaments somewhere near the region that you localized pain. A fracture would cause them not to not use that leg completely, so I'm less suspicious of that.
  
  Elbow problems, such as elbow dysplasia, are sometimes seen in dogs; but it tends to affect larger breeds and younger dogs.
  
  With small breed dogs, we tend to see fractures and other complications lower down in the leg near the wrist area.
  
  The fact that he is older is concerning for complications associated with arthritis and other age-related problems.
  
  If Devon seems to otherwise be fine and is not heavily limping on the leg, then it would be OK to wait a few days to see if it resolves. During this time it's important to limit his activity and especially restrict jumping up and down off of things like the couch or stairs.
  
  However, it would never hurt to take him to the vet to get it assessed. They might see something that you would not have noticed. They can also take x-rays if there is anything of concern.
  
  I would definitely take Devon to the vet if you notice swelling of the leg, or if he starts to limp more.
  
  I hope that helps and Devon gets better soon.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful