My chihuahua is limping but doesn't seem to be in pain. What's wrong?

Question

Suddenly when my chihuahua tries to walk, he lifts his leg up and limps even though he doesn't seem to be in pain. It seems more like a nerve response to something. Things that happened previously: we did a long flight so he was in his carrier (but in cabin with me) for about 13 hours. I also had used Effitix on him (for flees, ticks, heart worms, etc; Fipronil and Permethrin). I also saw a spider in his carrier. Vet thinks it can be arthritis but he doesn't seem in pain. Can you please help me? Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Male | neutered | 4.3 lbs

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

Some dogs are stoic and do not show obvious signs of pain even when they do hurt. If he is not putting weight on his foot it is probably because his leg hurts. There are a few exceptions: one being a luxating patella where the kneecap becomes displaced and rotates the leg so that it impossible to fully extend it. This is something your veterinarian probably would have found during an examination of the leg. I don't think the flea medication or spider would be related. If he is continuing to limp occasionally I'd recommend rechecking with your veterinarian: sometimes a tendon or ligament injury is more obvious on a sedated exam, and x-rays might be helpful as well.

My chihuahua is limping but doesn't seem to be in pain. What's wrong?

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