My young dog limps after running and rest. Is it just arthritis?

One of the most common reasons we will see a dog limp after they get up from resting is arthrits in a joint. Since Maggie is 9 years old, that is certainly a possibility. A complete cruciate tear will result in an unstable joint and will have lameness that occurs at a walk or run, but a partial cruciate tear is not unstable and can result in a lameness that is worse after resting. I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Maggie to see what they find on exam, then see what their recommendation is for treatment. A joint supplement may be enough for Maggie or she may need a prescription medication. It really depends on her examination. I am including more information about treatment for arthritis below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=587 Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

This sounds suspicious of arthritis. In a younge dog this often indicates a defect in cartilage or other soft tissue. These injuries are often difficult to detect, but can be narrowed-down with an exam and possibly x-rays. Considering this has been going on for a month, it's best to have a vet evaluate him sometime soon. Once the cause of this is identified, the appropriate treatment can be recommended. For now, it's best to restrict his exercise and keep him from running and jumping until he is seen by a vet. I hope that helps and Rio gets better.

He could have arthritis but he could also have a partial cruciate tear in his knee. The best thing would be to have your vet examine his leg to determine the cause. He may just need an anti-inflammatory to treat some pain and inflammation.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Causes of a front leg lameness could be: arthritis, a strain or sprain that needs more time, Lyme disease, neck injury and pinched nerve, peripheral nerve sheath tumor, bone tumor, bursitis/tendinitis. I think having Mya examined is a good idea since it’s been waxing and waning for a few months. Your Vet may want to check her for Lyme or take X-rays. She may just need a few weeks of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and rest. I hope this helps and I wish Mya a speedy recovery!

With an intermittent lameness in one leg this sounds like he has injured his knee. The most common cause of lameness in a lab is a cruciate ligament strain or tear. As Felix improves with rest he probably has just strained this ligament. This is similar to an ACL injury in people. Dogs who have this injury off and on will eventually tear the ligament completely and require surgery to repair it. I recommend you stop running Felix, walk him only and prevent him from jumping and roughhousing. This may heal and if you don't run him and he may not get lame again. If he continues to be lame it's time for a veterinary exam and X-rays. They can feel his knee and look at the X-ray to determine whether surgery is needed or if they think he will heal with rest, medication and rehab. He also could have a torn meniscus in his knee which would also need surgery to remove. Many dogs overwork the other leg when they are lame so sometimes they get cruciate injuries on both legs. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Felix.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Intermittent, painful lameness in dogs of her breed is often related to slipping patella, hip problems (for the hind leg) and sometimes elbow dysplasia (for the front leg lameness). A visit at your local vets is recommended. Full clinical examination should allow making the diagnosis and starting treatment, if required.

Arthritis is very likely, sometimes it is exacerbated by another injury. It could also be a ligament sprain or muscle strain. There is also the less likely possibility of a hairline fracture or something more sinister like a bone tumour.