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My puppy limps on its back leg, then walks fine. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 35 lbs

My 6mo large breed puppy is limping on her back leg (left) it started this morning out of no where. She doesn't seem to be in pain but wont put weight on it. Yet after a few minutes standing she is back to jumpling and walking.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 14th, 2017

Some causes of hindlimb lameness in growing dogs that are less than 12 months of age include:
Hip dysplasia,
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head - Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, where the ball of the thighbone in the hip doesn't get enough blood, causing the bone to die
Osteochondritis of stifle - fragments of cartilage or bone have become loose within the knee joint
Patella luxation - medial or lateral disorder, in which the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal location
Osteochondritis of the hock - fragments of cartilage or bone have become loose within the hock, the joint of the hind leg
Panosteitis – inflammation of the bones
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy - a disease characterized by decreased blood flow to the part of the bone adjacent to the joint
Trauma to the soft tissue, bone, or joint
Infection – may be local, or generalized (systemic)
Nutritional imbalances
Congenital abnormalities (present at birth)

If the lameness persists, even if she seems better afterward, I recommend getting her seen by your vet as soon as possible to check for one of these conditions and get her started on treatment if need be.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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