Why is my puppy limping on 3 legs with clear x-rays? I need help!

I'm sorry to hear about Freddie Harte's limping. I am not seeing any obvious defects on this x-ray. The challenge is that the findings on exam are extremely important in trying to diagnose orthopedic issues; it would help to know if Freddie has proprioceptive deficits in his hind end, decreased range of motion, muscle atrophy, medial buttressing, etc as well as trying to localize any pain that may be contributing to his limping - all of this information would be combined with findings on x-ray to try to reach a diagnosis. Small dogs such as Shih Tzus are prone to luxating patellas, which may not always be evident on an x-ray but would be detected on exam. Did your vet discuss the option of referral to a specialist for a more concrete answer? I'm happy to give you my input on the x-ray - but referral to an orthopedic specialist who will be able to put their hands on your dog, as well as look at these x-rays, will give you much more beneficial input. I know its frustrating to have a chronically limping dog without an answer! I hope this helps!

Poor Lucy! It's very concerning that a three month old puppy is not able to stand on her back leg. She could have severely injured her leg such as breaking a bone or tearing a ligament making her unable to use it. Unfortunately it's illegal for the experts on Pet Coach to prescribe or recommend any medications. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your dog. There is also no way I could say what treatment would be best for her without seeing her in person and diagnosing the cause of her problem. As I said, it's very concerning when such a young puppy won't use her rear leg, and because of that, I recommend an immediate vet visit. Please take her into a vet now. Best of luck.

Poor puppy. At this stage Reese needs images taken of his entire leg to pinpoint the problem area and get a good game plan together on how to help improve his mobility. He may have a ligament tear in his knee or even a congenital defect of the bone that wouldn't otherwise be known about if not for radiograph imaging. It's best to schedule an appt with your vet soon to get some solid answers about Reese's leg. I hope things improve soon.

Poor Lily. When a pet isn't showing a pain response but limping on their back leg, it could indicate that they have either torn a ligament in the joint or have a severe muscle sprain. Also if you don't notice any obvious swelling, then a fracture is likely not the cause. Rest her, no running, jumping playing and leash walk only for the next couple of weeks. You can also do cold compresses on the limb 1-2 times a day. if there is no improvement within 3-4 days, then it's best to get her seen by your veterinarian for a full exam and pet friendly pain medication. She may also need x-rays of the leg to determine the underlying injury (cause). Do not give her people pain meds however because these can be quite toxic to pets and cause major liver and/or kidney damage. It's better to get all pain and anti-inflammatory meds from your vet. Even though she isn't crying out, there is presumed inflammation at the very least, so she can benefit from medication at any time. I hope your puppy gets well soon. Best wishes.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Sansa. I have to agree that a cruciate ligament injury at this age would be highly unlikely. You should take her to a veterinarian in your area to have her leg evaluated. There are many causes for lameness in puppies including injury to soft tissue or bone, nutritional bone disease, among other causes. Your vet can get a detailed history, perform a physical exam, perform an orthopedic exam of the leg and then advise a diagnostic and/or treatment plan based on their findings. They may advise some x-rays to evaluate the leg and get a better idea of what is going on. Good luck with Sansa

Hello and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concern. Without examining Bruno it is difficult to say what it could be. He could be dealing with a nerve injury or neurological condition, soft tissue injury (strain or sprain), ACL injury, bone trauma, infectious, etc. If x-rays have already been performed, I would suggest having an orthopedic specialist take a look at Bruno. Bruno may need a CT scan of the leg to help determine what this could be so that the most appropriate diagnostics and treatments can be recommended. It is also possible that this is a soft tissue injury and Bruno will start feeling much better and then run or jump leading to a re-injury of the leg. You may need to look at keeping Bruno crate confined or restricted to a small area so that he cannot run or jump for at least 4 weeks to see how he does with limited activity. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any additional concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

I am very sorry to hear that Amica is limping, I am sure it is worrying for you both. Unfortunately, there are many reasons why a dog may limp, ranging from injury, infection, osteoarthritis, disorders of the growing bones or joints, and even some cancers. Dogs can also be very good at hiding the exact location of the problem. In order to determine the precise cause of Amica's limping it would be best to take her in for an examination by a veterinarian. A veterinarian will also be able to make Amica comfortable by providing pain relief medication. The vet may also perform an orthopaedic exam and an X-ray. If Amica seems very uncomfortable or depressed, you suspect a broken bone, the limb is dangling at an unnatural angle, a limb is being dragged, severe swelling is occurring, the limb is hot, bone is piercing the skin, or nonstop bleeding is occurring, Amica needs to see a veterinarian immediately. If none of the above are occurring, and due to the high frequency of trauma cases which heal on their own, in limping dogs, as well as Amica's young age, you can try conservative management at home for 24 hours to see if Amica improves. Try the following at home; Keep Amica as comfortable as possible Strict rest with as little movement as can be managed When moving handle with care Do not give Amica any medications without a veterinarian’s approval Apply a cold compress for first 24 hours Switch to a warm compress after 24 hours If pain or limping continues after 24 hours then take Amica to see a veterinarian. I hope this was a helpful answer and more importantly that Amica feels better soon. Warmest regards and best of luck to you both.