Why won't my 4-month Great Dane puppy get up? Her back legs hurt.

Great Dane puppies, like many of the giant breed dogs, can often grow vary strangely. As long as they are receiving an adequate diet (standard large breed puppy food) and have adequate space in a crate, they shouldn't have any issues growing unless there is an underlying pathology. This is a tough one to assess without not only seeing photographs, but also seeing your puppy in motion. There are certainly orthopedic and congenital conditions that can cause the kind of stance you are describing, but these could not be positively diagnosed without radiographic imaging. If you are concerned about the way she is growing, I would have a vet take a look at her in person to assess her gait, posture, and bony structures. If you have any other questions in more detail, please feel free to consult with me personally. Hope this helps!

This is very concerning. Bamboo likely has a lot of pain in that leg. Since she is a Great Dane there is a very large danger of her having osteosarcoma. Of course she could also just have sprained or hurt her leg, however I would definitely take her to your veterinarian tomorrow for an exam and x-rays. Refusing food and water is also a sign of great pain.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Benelly! If it doesn't resolve with rest I would have him looked at by your Vet. Possibilities are a back strain or sprain, Lyme disease, or hip dysplasia. An exam and hip X-rays could help determine what might be going on. Try resting him for a few days and if there is no improvement have him seen early next week. I wish Benelly a speedy recovery!

This sounds like he’s in pain. He could have back pain from a bulging intervertebral disc, or be constipated, or have hip pain. This sounds serious so I recommend a veterinary exam soon. With bloat they look bloated and they go from fine to very distressed in a few hours and then it’s life threatening. If this has been going on longer without a swollen abdomen then bloat is less likely. Regardless, he’s in pain and needs veterinary care. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

Large and giant breed puppies grow very rapidly, so it could be those bones growing fast could be causing a bit of pain and stiffness. Making sure he is on a balanced large or giant-breed puppy food can help make sure the bones grow properly and provide minimal discomfort. An elevated feeder as well as a comfy bed that's easy to get into and out of may also help as well. If the pain or stiffness continues, further workup with your vet or a referral to a specialist to rule out any other issues is a good idea.

I would recommend either getting Ella to a veterinarian or getting a mobile veterinarian to come to your house. My concern is Ella is an 11 year old Great Dane and it could be more then just a soft tissue injury. It may be a soft tissue injury but it can also be a bone injury (a break, fracture or mass) and it may require an X-ray. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes, this can be a sign of poor hip conformation or hip dysplasia. Usually dogs with hip joint laxity run with both rear legs together or bunny hop. As Coco is still growing the pain also could be due to panosteitis which is pain in the bones from growing too fast. I recommend switching her to adult large breed dog food so she will grow slower. She will still reach her full size, it just may take a little longer. Adult food is fine for all ages so you do not need to be worried, she will still get the nutrition she needs. Your veterinarian can feel her hip joints for laxity, but X-rays are not conclusive until she is six months or older. It is best to exercise Coco on a leash and prevent running and jumping. Your veterinarian may also prescribe pain medication to make her. more comfortable. While hip dysplasia can cause arthritis later in life, many dogs go through short painful episodes, then they are pain free for long periods of time. If she has poor hip conformation she shouldn't have puppies as they may have bad hips also. Keeping Coco active, thin and well muscled in addition to joint supplements and pain medication when needed will give Coco the best chance to live a normal active life. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Coco.