Why is my puppy limping and crying with no visible injury or swelling?

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, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor B. I recommend getting the foot looked at. Yes, the circulation was compromised but the nerves could also have been damaged. My hope is that with time the nerves and vessels will return to normal. If B is holding up the foot it is likely painful. The vet can prescribe pain medications to help him feel better. Good luck!

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

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Nico! He is adorable!! If Nico has been limping with out improvement for the last 2-3 days I would have him examined by your Vet. Limping indicates pain even if you can't localize it. Hopefully it is just a sprain or a strain but it could be a chip fracture or a growth plate fracture since Niko is so young. You Vet may want to take 1-2 X-rays of the area they find pain in. Hopefully Nico will only require rest and anti-inflammatory medications. Do not give Nico any human OTC medications, He is very young and dogs do not metabolize human drugs like we do and they have a narrow margin of safety in dogs. It will also mask his pain for the vet and will interfere with medications they may want to prescribe. I hope this helps and I wish Nico a speedy recovery!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Charlie. Limping means he is in pain. That paw pad does look a bit swollen. I recommend resting him for the next 48 hours. No running, jumping, or playing. Take him out to toilet on a leash, and bring him right back in when he's done. If he still appears painful after this time, then I would take him into the vet for an exam. The vet can diagnose where the pain is coming from, and can dictate a treatment plan for it. He may also benefit from some pain medications, which the vet can prescribe. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I hope this helps!

Oh no! I am sorry Duke is hurt! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. What you are describing could be due to a soft tissue or a bone problem in the paw. You should take him to a veterinarian for an examination. They may likely recommend doing x-rays of the area. If there is a serious injury, they may recommend placing a splint or cast on it. Less serious injuries may heal with just rest. They may also prescribe medications for pain and discomfort.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the pictures I don’t see anything abnormal. But if it has been 3 days and he is still limping then he is painful somewhere. In a younger dog it could be from growing but they could still have small fractures without swelling. I recommend taking Goliath to a vet where they can do a full physical exam and check for pain in the bones or joints. There could be an issue higher up in the limb or even in the neck causing the limp. The vet may need xrays to look at the bones and joints. If anything, they can prescribe Goliath some medications to alleviate his pain and get him comfortable again. I wouldn’t give anything over the counter as there isn’t anything safe for dogs. And until you can get him to the vet I wouldn’t encourage any running or jumping. Good luck and kisses to Goliath!