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Why is my senior dog limping, dragging his back leg, and it's swollen?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 10 years and 4 months old

My chocolate lab is 10 years old and today he has started limping and seemed to be dragging his back end on one side when he gets up from a nap. As he walks around it seems to ease but on inspection of his back legs. One is much larger than the other around the muscle on his upper leg and it is solid around the muscle area.. There are no lumps as such though. He is probably slightly heavier than he should be but not massively overweight

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 18th, 2017

This is probably due to hip disease (arthritis), the larger leg is probably not the bad side, the problematic side is usually smaller due to muscle atrophy as the dog is favoring his good leg. i advise you to take Mocha to the vet ASAP, the vet will perform a physical examination, he will probably need to be put on anti inflammatories/pain killers permanently.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 24th, 2016
Many reason could cause a swollen leg, at his age I would look into some serious possibilities such as heart failure, diabetes and cancer. I recommend taking Bullet to the vet sooner rather than later in order to get it checked.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 1st, 2017
It could be swelling from the puncture site where is causing cellulitis or if he struggled while trying to get free he may have fracture his leg. The lack of movement is from the swelling but the nonbweight bearing is concerning. Because he is old and they tend to take longer to heal, taking him to his vet is best to make sure nothing is broken and he gets medicine for pain and antibiotics if needed
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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